Since Israel began launching attacks against Iran, many Iranians have been eager for information. In response, Iranian authorities reportedly started blocking access to certain websites. This led to a sharp rise in the number of Iranians downloading virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass these restrictions.
Between June 13 and June 16, VPN usage in Iran increased by 707%, according to data reported by Top10VPNs on June 17. Top10VPNs is a site that reviews VPN services and conducts research on internet privacy, security, and freedom worldwide.
VPNs are tools that help users bypass location-based restrictions. When a country blocks certain websites within its borders, VPNs allow users to access them by routing their internet connection through servers in other locations.
A VPN, or virtual private network, acts as an intermediary between a user’s device and the internet. It protects privacy by encrypting the data flowing between the device and websites.
For example, if you are in Tehran and connect to a VPN server in Brussels, Singapore, or Philadelphia, your online activity appears as if it is coming from that server’s location, not Tehran. This helps users avoid local censorship.
VPNs also shield a user’s unique IP address. Instead of showing the user’s real IP, websites and potential trackers only see the VPN server’s IP. This makes it harder to trace online activity back to the individual.
Good VPN providers operate thousands of servers globally. Since many users share the same server, individual users blend into a large crowd, increasing their anonymity and security online.
