Key Takeaways
- Despite Iran’s long-standing Telegram prohibition, millions continue accessing the platform through VPN technology
- Pavel Durov, Telegram’s co-founder, reports 50 million Iranian citizens and an equal number of Russians now rely on VPNs for app access
- A complete internet shutdown was implemented across Iran in January 2026 amid escalating tensions with Israel and the United States
- Citizens have turned to Starlink satellite internet and BitChat, a Bluetooth-based mesh messaging platform, to maintain communications
- During Nepal’s 2025 social media restrictions, BitChat recorded 48,000 installations, coinciding with the government’s eventual overthrow
Iran’s prohibition of Telegram has proven ineffective.
This is the assessment from Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov, who revealed on Friday that millions of Iranian citizens continue using the messaging platform by channeling their connections through virtual private networks, commonly referred to as VPNs.
Virtual private networks function by redirecting internet connections through servers located in different nations. This process masks the user’s actual geographic position and enables them to circumvent domestic internet restrictions.
According to Durov, Tehran’s expectation was that the prohibition would drive citizens toward government-sanctioned messaging platforms—applications that authorities can surveil. The opposite occurred, with users embracing privacy-enhancing technologies instead.
“The government hoped for mass adoption of its surveillance messaging apps, but got mass adoption of VPNs instead,” Durov stated.
He estimated approximately 50 million VPN users currently operate in Iran. Russia faces a similar situation with over 50 million individuals employing these same circumvention tools.
Nationwide Internet Shutdown in Iran
The circumstances in Iran have intensified dramatically following January 2026, when authorities enacted a complete nationwide internet shutdown. This blackout correlates with the continuing hostilities involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, and continues at present.
Despite the comprehensive blackout, certain residents have maintained internet connectivity. One avenue is Starlink, the satellite-based internet platform operated by SpaceX. Although Iran has officially prohibited Starlink usage, citizens continue accessing the service.
Another solution is BitChat, an application that operates completely independent of traditional internet infrastructure. It establishes a mesh network utilizing Bluetooth connections between proximate devices. Every smartphone functions as a relay point, transmitting messages to additional phones operating the application within communication range.
This architecture allows BitChat to remain functional even when both conventional internet and satellite connections face disruption.
BitChat’s Emergence During Civil Unrest
BitChat has previously gained prominence during government-imposed internet blackouts.
During September 2025, Nepal implemented social media restrictions amid widespread demonstrations. Within that timeframe, BitChat registered more than 48,000 installations in Nepal. That identical month witnessed protesters successfully removing Nepal’s government from authority.
Madagascar experienced comparable surges in BitChat adoption during concurrent protest movements.
Durov characterized this broader phenomenon as digital opposition, referencing what he described as “50 million members of the digital resistance in Iran.”
Iran’s comprehensive internet blackout, which commenced in January 2026, remained active at the time Durov published his Friday statement.
