According to a report from Top10VPN.com, demand for VPNs in Iran rose by 3000% over the month of September. The spike comes after the Iranian government implemented a social media blackout in response to countrywide protests following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody.
Iran already blocks many social media services. However, following the start of the protests, the country’s government began blocking WhatsApp and other previously unblocked sites. Eventually, the block extended to basic online services. In response, the US government loosened certain restrictions to allow US companies to help Iranians more easily access online services. Many Iranians have flocked to tools like Outline to create and maintain VPN networks.
Daily Demand for VPNs Spikes in Iran Following Protests