OrbVPN: A Network Born from Freedom of Speech

The story of OrbVPN started with my father, a political and economic analyst, human rights activist, and journalist. His work showed me firsthand how crucial secure communication is for those fighting for human rights and freedom of speech. This wasn't just about creating another VPN service – it was about building a network that could protect people's right to communicate freely and safely.

The Original Vision

Initially, we envisioned something unique: a private network that would grow only through invitations. This concept came from understanding that trust in digital communications often mirrors our real-world relationships. We wanted to create an environment where users could control their network's growth while maintaining high security standards.

Beyond just providing a service, we committed ourselves to continuous research and development in network security and privacy. We believed that staying at the forefront of technology would be crucial for protecting our users' rights effectively.

Early Team and Challenges

We started as a team of three, each bringing different perspectives to the project. The first six months tested our resolve – we faced technical challenges, debated different approaches, and ultimately saw one team member depart. Despite this setback, our core vision remained unchanged. Sometimes, such changes strengthen your resolve and clarify your path forward.

Technical Beginnings

Our first technical implementations were built in Python. We chose it for its networking capabilities, but also because it allowed us to iterate quickly as we figured out our exact direction. The initial server setup was modest, but it gave us the foundation to test our invitation-based networking concept.

What We Built in 2007

In these first months, we focused on:

• Building the invitation-based networking system
• Implementing basic encryption protocols
• Creating our first user management system
• Setting up initial server infrastructure

The Human Rights Connection

My father's work as a journalist and activist deeply influenced our security priorities. We saw how VPN services weren't just tools for bypassing geographic restrictions – they were lifelines for journalists, activists, and anyone needing to communicate safely. This understanding shaped every technical decision we made.

Lessons from Our First Months

The departure of one team member taught us valuable lessons about team dynamics and the importance of shared vision. It also made us more resilient. We learned to adapt quickly, redistribute responsibilities, and stay focused on our core mission.

Looking Ahead

As 2007 ends, we're already planning significant improvements:

• Enhanced security protocols
• Expanded server locations
• Improved invitation system
• Stronger encryption methods

A Personal Note

Creating OrbVPN wasn't just about business – it was about continuing my father's legacy of promoting free speech and human rights. Every line of code we write serves this purpose.

To the two team members who started this journey with me, and particularly to my remaining partner: thank you for helping bring this vision to life. And to my father, whose work inspired this entire project: your dedication to human rights and freedom of speech continues to guide our mission.

The road ahead is challenging, but our purpose is clear – building a secure network that protects people's right to communicate freely.

Nima Golsharifi
Founder, OrbVPN