[62773] Wave of publications on Telegram: The black market for VPN services in Iran

The spread of the VPN market on the Iranian Telegram

During the last day, dozens of Telegram channels in Iran, including اخبارفوری خبرفوری جنگ امریکا حمله and کانال هواداران استقلال, have flooded the network with advertisements for the sale of paid VPN services. The phenomenon reflects the growing demand for tools to bypass censorship on the local internet, as sellers offer "high speed" and "stability" for blocked platforms like Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube.

The prices offered vary between distributors, but there is a trend of pricing by gigabyte. For example, خبرفوری ࡆ اخبارفوری مذاکره ࡆ جنگ فوری offers browsing volume at a price of 140,000 Tomans per gigabyte, while یِ دانش آموز reports a price of 240,000 Tomans for the same amount, while emphasizing the "3 years of experience" of the team in the field.

Some marketers, such as مستر ورزش | MrVarzesh, use aggressive marketing tactics that include promises of "missile speed" and a "money-back" guarantee in case of dissatisfaction. EagleCompany_VPN added that they offer a "free trial option before purchase," evidence of an attempt to build trust with consumers in a market characterized by technological uncertainty.

The publications, which appeared in channels with mixed political and news orientations, emphasize that the services are adapted to the "current internet situation" in Iran and include "subscription links" that allow for monitoring data consumption. This is a shadow industry that has emerged as a direct response to government blocks, exploiting the citizens' dependence on social networks for communication and information needs.