Mission + Impact
Mission
Over the past decade, Lantern has become one of the most trusted and effective tools for bypassing internet censorship, with more than 250 million downloads worldwide. We’ve helped people access the open internet during some of the most sensitive political moments and in the face of the world’s most aggressive internet censorship..
We believe uncensored internet access is a human right. Our mission is to provide fast, secure, and reliable access to the open internet, empowering people everywhere to seek information freely and share their stories with the world.
Who we are
Lantern is developed by Brave New Software Project, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2013. We work to expand access to the open internet, especially where platforms, websites, and communication tools are routinely blocked.
With over a decade of experience in heavily censored environments, we focus on privacy, transparency, and real-world impact. Our work is guided by the needs of people who depend on open access every day.
To protect our team and the communities we serve, we don't share staff details publicly. Our code is open source, independently audited, and built through community collaboration.
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.
Open Internet for All
Why Access Matters
Blocked platforms
Governments routinely block messaging apps, social media, and independent news sites to control what people can see, say, and share. In high-stakes moments, access to information is often the first thing to disappear.
Censorship as control
Online censorship isn't just about restricting content. It's about limiting people's agency. By blocking access to platforms and information, governments isolate people from knowledge, connection, and support.
Trust
Choosing a VPN often means trusting a company you don’t know. We’re transparent about who we are and what we stand for. Lantern is open source, nonprofit-driven, and built by a team with years of experience operating in the harshest censorship environments.
How Lantern supports digital freedom
When you subscribe to Lantern Pro, you're not just getting a VPN, you're funding free access in heavily censored regions. Financial and legal barriers often make paid services impossible exactly where they're needed most.
Lantern serves people who need to bypass censorship and those who simply want a trustworthy VPN. Features like Unbounded let users share access directly, creating a volunteer network that reaches places traditional infrastructure can't.
Because Lantern is open source, independently audited, and never logs user activity, it meets the highest standards of transparency and safety, essential for the people who rely on it.
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 globally grew by over 300%.
— 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.
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
When you subscribe to Lantern Pro, you get fast, private access and help keep it free for people in the world’s most censored regions.
Get Lantern
Run Unbounded
Securely share your connection to help someone else get online.
Visit unbounded.lantern.io
Donate
Support our mission directly. Every contribution helps sustain free and open internet access for those who need it most
Donate Now