Iran’s Telegram Ban Sparks Increased VPN and Decentralized App Usage
- Despite a ban on Telegram, over 50 million users in Iran access the app via VPNs.
- Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov reported that the Iranian government’s efforts led to increased VPN adoption instead of their surveillance apps.
- The Iranian government imposed a nationwide internet blackout in January 2026, amid ongoing civil unrest.
- Residents also use BitChat, which utilizes Bluetooth for decentralized communication.
- In Nepal, BitChat downloads surged by over 48,000 times during a social media ban in September 2025.
The Iranian government’s attempt to control online communication has inadvertently empowered users through decentralized technologies like blockchain and encrypted messaging apps, enabling them to bypass restrictions and maintain connectivity during crises.
This situation highlights the resilience of digital communication tools, as evidenced by the significant user base of VPNs and BitChat amidst governmental bans in multiple countries.(Source)
