Help Iranians get online: fund VPNs and digital security tools during the blackout.
The Story
Since early 2026, Iran has faced some of the most severe internet restrictions in its history. Nationwide connectivity has dropped to under 1% during blackout periods, cutting millions of people off from family abroad, from independent news, and from each other.
For those still trying to get online, the options are expensive and risky:
- VPN subscriptions cost anywhere from $35 to $140 — a significant sum against an average monthly wage of $240–$420.
- Starlink terminals, one of the few tools that can bypass a nationwide shutdown, sell for around $2,000 on the black market and are illegal to import or use, carrying real legal risk for the people who rely on them.
- Ordinary mobile data, where it exists at all, has become dramatically more expensive than before the restrictions began.
This campaign exists to help close that gap — funding VPN licenses, Starlink hardware and data access, and digital security resources for Iranians who are trying to stay connected, share information, and stay in touch with loved ones outside the country.
Where the Money Goes
- VPN and circumvention tool subscriptions — bulk-purchased licenses distributed to individuals and civil-society groups inside Iran
- Digital security training and tools — helping people protect themselves from surveillance while online
- Operational and distribution costs — getting funds and equipment to people safely, often through vetted intermediary organizations
Why This Matters Now
Internet access in Iran isn’t just about convenience — during blackout periods it has become a matter of physical safety, since it’s often the only way for people to document abuses, reach emergency services, or let family know they’re alive. Every donation, however small, funds a real subscription or piece of hardware for someone who currently has none of these options.
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