Why Standard VPNs Get Blocked
Why common VPN protocols are increasingly blocked by censors, and what research tells us about building more resilient access tools.
VPNs Are Not Invisible
Many users assume VPNs are undetectable. In reality, VPN protocols have distinctive network signatures that deep packet inspection systems can identify. OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and other common protocols each have fingerprints that censors maintain blocklists for.
The Cat-and-Mouse Problem
When a circumvention protocol becomes popular, censors invest in blocking it. Developers respond with obfuscation and new protocols. Censors adapt. This cycle is ongoing and is why sustainable access requires continuous research, not one-time tool deployment.
Why Open Source Matters
Closed-source VPNs cannot be independently audited. Users must trust the provider completely. Open-source development allows security researchers to verify what software actually does — critical for high-risk users.
IranVPN research studies these dynamics without publishing operational bypass instructions on public channels.
Safety First
No VPN guarantees safety or access. Users in censored environments face legal, technical, and physical risks that no software alone can eliminate. Read our safety guidance before using any connectivity tool.
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