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ZDNET's key takeaways
Meshnet allows users to create private, encrypted networks for sharing resources.
Customer backlash inspired NordVPN to keep the service running
Meshnet will be open-sourced, but no transition timeline is in place.
NordVPN has reversed its decision to close down Meshnet and will, instead, be opening it up to the open source community.
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On Tuesday, NordVPN subscribers received an email noting that the community's response to the news prompted the VPN provider to change its mind and keep Meshnet running.
"Over the past month, many of you have spoken up about how much you value Meshnet, whether for tinkering with private networks, sharing files securely, or just gaming with friends," NordVPN's email reads. "Your passion made us take a hard look at our decision. So here's the update: We heard you. Meshnet is not going anywhere."
NordVPN's Meshnet is a service that enables users to establish an encrypted virtual network, allowing devices to remotely connect with each other. Up to 60 devices are supported for purposes including file sharing and gaming. However, after its 2022 debut, few NordVPN subscribers adopted the service.
"As time went on, it became clear that while a small group of dedicated users valued Meshnet, it never really caught on the way we'd hoped," NordVPN said.
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Meshnet will now be open-sourced, allowing developers interested in the project to contribute. A timeline for this transition is being discussed internally, but there's no date set for the open-source release. Still, I can see this type of project appealing to a large group of developers.
In the meantime, Meshnet will remain open and supported, and the NordVPN team will investigate ways to expand its scope and enhance its appeal to a broader audience.
During my recent visit to the Lithuania-based company, NordVPN researchers told ZDNET that the service may have been too complex to attract the attention of a large user base. So, the service was set to be closed in December 2025, with its lab team reassigned to improve the functionality and services of Nord Security's VPN.
Community backlash, however, led to a change of heart. Online, some users noted that they use Meshnet daily, it was one of their favorite features, and for some, Meshnet is the reason they subscribed to NordVPN in the first place. An online appeal was also created.
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Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN, told ZDNET that it was this feedback from users -- sent via social media, private messages, and support tickets -- that revealed how valuable the service was to them.
"They told us how they use the feature for secure file sharing, remote work, and staying connected with family and friends through gaming sessions," the executive said. "Although only a small portion of our community actively uses Meshnet, their stories made it clear how valuable it is to them. That perspective made us reconsider our decision, and ultimately, we've decided to keep it."