Iran’s "VPN mafia" blamed for delays on the lifting of Telegram ban – here's what we know

On the left, the Telegram logo appears on the screen of a smartphone that rests on top of a laptop keyboard. On the right, the Iranian flag with the binary code.

• An Iranian lawmaker is blaming the "VPN mafia" for Iran's Telegram ban
• Talks have reportedly taken place to lift the ban
• Iranians haven't been able to access Telegram without a VPN since 2018

Despite Iran being said to be ready to lift the 7-year-long Telegram ban, the messaging platform remains restricted in the country. The culprit? The economic interests linked to the sale of VPNs, according to an Iranian lawmaker.