The Lantern team believes that access to the uncensored internet is a human right. We are committed to providing private, fast, reliable, and secure access to the uncensored internet so that our users can continue to seek information and share their stories with the world.
Lantern is built by Brave New Software Project, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014. Lantern has been downloaded over 250 million times, much of that in the world's most restricted regions. Every Pro purchase helps fund free access for users who can't pay due to financial barriers or payment restrictions in their country.
Impact
Lantern user stories
“I operate a platform for underground music. Everything we do gets blocked. Lantern gives us a way to share and survive.”
Shervin, Tehran
“I’m Afghan, living in Iran. My family can’t get a SIM card, open a bank account, or access public services. Lantern is how I stay connected to my relatives abroad, and to hope.”
Sara, Shiraz
“I run a foundation that lends laptops to underprivileged teens. We use Lantern so they can access courses in English, programming, and data science.”
Ramin, Isfahan
"I make wedding souvenirs at home and rely on Instagram to sell them, but it’s blocked. I’m a single mother, and this is how I support my child. I’ve joined nationwide strikes, even though I depend on this income. Paid VPNs are out of reach. Lantern keeps my business alive."
Shima, Kermanshah
"I’m a video editor and part-time journalist. Sometimes I send articles abroad, which can be dangerous. I don’t trust local VPNs. Lantern gives me the privacy and safety I need to keep doing this work."
Ehsan, Tehran
"I teach English online through messaging apps and video calls. Lantern is the only way I can connect with my students. It’s not just a tool, it’s how I keep working."
Mahsa, Zarghoun
*Names and locations have been changed to protect user privacy.
Proven under pressure
Hong Kong, 2019
During widespread protests, as internet surveillance and content filtering intensified, Lantern provided reliable, uncensored access when traditional tools were disrupted or blocked.
Iran, 2022
During the Women, Life, Freedom protests, Lantern connected millions of users. At the height of the shutdown, we estimate that 13% of all internet traffic in Iran was flowing through Lantern.
Russia, 2022
After the invasion of Ukraine, censorship in Russia spiked. As users sought access to blocked news and platforms, Lantern’s monthly active users in Russia grew by over 300%.
Join the fight for a freer internet
How you can help keep the internet open
Even small actions can expand access. Whether you're using Lantern every day, sharing your connection, or contributing behind the scenes, your support helps people around the world reach the uncensored internet.
Use Lantern as your primary VPN
A Pro purchase gets you fast, private access and helps keep Lantern free for people in the world's most restricted regions.
Download Lantern
Turn on Action Mode
Securely share your connection to help someone else get online.
Learn about Action Mode
Donate
Support our mission directly. Every contribution helps sustain free and open internet access for those who need it most.
Donate now
Our partners
We collaborate with organizations around the world that share our commitment to internet freedom, transparency, and human rights. Together, we support open access and resilient technologies for people living under censorship.
