Is expanding Opera's VPN service worth the potential privacy concerns and regulatory challenges?

Introduction

Expanding Opera's VPN service presents a significant trade-off between potential business growth and privacy concerns along with regulatory challenges. This scenario involves balancing user privacy, regulatory compliance, and business expansion opportunities. I'll analyze this trade-off by examining the product, stakeholders, metrics, and potential outcomes to provide a strategic recommendation.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Based on Opera's current market position, I'm thinking this VPN expansion might be a key differentiator. Could you provide more context on Opera's current market share and competitive landscape?

Why it matters: Helps understand the strategic importance of this move Expected answer: Opera has a small but loyal user base, looking to expand Impact on approach: Would influence how aggressively we pursue the expansion

• Considering potential revenue streams, I'm assuming the VPN service could be monetized. What's the current or planned business model for the VPN service?

Why it matters: Affects the cost-benefit analysis of expansion Expected answer: Freemium model with premium features Impact on approach: Would shape how we balance free vs. paid features

• Looking at user segments, I'm thinking privacy-conscious users might be a key target. Can you share any data on user demographics and their privacy concerns?

Why it matters: Helps tailor the VPN offering to user needs Expected answer: Growing segment of privacy-aware users across age groups Impact on approach: Would influence feature prioritization and marketing strategy

• Regarding technical feasibility, I'm curious about our current infrastructure. How scalable is our existing VPN technology?

Why it matters: Determines the ease and cost of expansion Expected answer: Moderately scalable, would require some investment Impact on approach: Would affect timeline and resource allocation

• Considering regulatory challenges, I'm wondering about our legal team's capacity. How prepared are we to navigate potential regulatory hurdles in different markets?

Why it matters: Impacts the risk assessment of expansion Expected answer: Some experience, but would need to bolster the team Impact on approach: Would influence the pace and scope of expansion