Are VPNs Legal In My Country? Let’s Break That Down

To determine the legality of VPNs in your specific country, it is essential to consult local laws and regulations regarding internet usage and data privacy.

Steve Ballmer

June 12, 2023

Are VPNs Legal In My Country — Source: Chris Sansbury

Most of us, when we think about internet security, jump straight to antivirus, strong passwords, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). A VPN service provides enhanced security and privacy by encrypting users’ internet traffic and routing it through servers located in different countries. But yet, in many countries where internet censorship runs wild, VPNs are heavily restricted or banned outright. Are VPNs legal where you live? You can’t be too sure… Discussed in this article is the legality of VPNs around the globe. We’ll also take a look at what VPNs can do and answer some important questions for those who want to dive deeper.

A VPN is a technology that establishes an encrypted tunnel between a user’s device and the internet, routing their internet traffic through a server located in another location. This process effectively masks the user’s IP address and encrypts their data, providing enhanced privacy and security.

Contents

1 Are VPNs legal?

Are VPNs legal?

Apologies to those who love a clear-cut solution, but the legality surrounding VPNs can get foggy. For individuals in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or most of Europe, VPNs are entirely free to use without restriction. The vast majority of the world can utilize this powerful tool, while citizens of a handful of countries face limitations or complete bans. It is unsurprising that the nations that suppress VPN usage have a long history of oppression.

The legality of VPNs varies from country to country.

Where are VPNs illegal?

Collected below are the details of the countries that impose restrictions or bans on VPNs. These regimes already promote the censorship and monitoring of data. If you live in one of the following countries, we don’t recommend that you use a VPN.

Countries where VPN is illegal

Country	Legal status
Belarus	Illegal
China	Legal as long as VPNs disclose data to the state
Egypt	Legal, but strictly illegal when viewing censored content
India	Legal, but new laws allow for the “exemption” of government when retrieving data from VPN providers
Iran	Legal, yet internet use is heavily suppressed, and new plans look to criminalize VPNs
Iraq	Illegal
North Korea	Illegal
Oman	Illegal
Russia	Legal as long as VPN providers block state-censored content and keep data logs
Turkey	Legal, yet heavily restricted and monitored by the government
Turkmenistan	Illegal
UAE	“Legal”, but UAE cyber laws make it practically impossible for an individual to use it legally
Uganda	Legal, but while the “social media tax” has been removed, VPN censorship and huge data taxes remain
Venezuela	Legal, but disallowed for viewing censored content, which the state continues to add to

What does limited usage really mean?

As seen above, “legal” in these cases carries high costs and risks to the user. When VPN providers agree to record and share data logs, anything you view over a VPN is no longer private. But what if the VPN surpasses censored content without you realizing it? Unfortunately, the regimes that suppress VPN usage often show little remorse to offenders.

For citizens of these countries, VPNs are the gateway to the free and uncensored internet. Yet, using one to view state-censored materials, even accidentally, can strip you of your freedom entirely.

VPN privacy — Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash

Consequences for being caught

In countries where VPNs are heavily restricted or banned, penalties can be fines, deportation, or in some cases, imprisonment. Risking the illegal use of a VPN is not recommended in any scenario. Even if you’re a tourist in Turkey, only state-sponsored VPNs are legal. Before traveling, study the table above and do your own VPN research. While vacationing elsewhere, it’s better to protect your computer with a VPN. There are plenty of other ways you can safeguard your private data without. Follow these cybersecurity tips to fortify the protective wall around your network.

Why are VPNs restricted or banned?

In many cases, banned content, deemed sacrilegious, profane, or “anti-state,” is usually the main target of VPN bans. Other times it helps governments to block Western influence like news, social media, etc.

Is it legal to stream on a VPN?

Yes, there are no laws you can stumble over when you stream your favorite shows on a VPN. However, this is against every streaming provider’s Terms of Service, so you risk a ban (but at least not jail, am I right?).

Will a VPN protect my computer from viruses?

A VPN offers a litany of cybersecurity uses, yet it doesn’t save you from viruses. You need the powerful features of both programs to protect your data. Read more about antivirus vs VPN and why you should be using both.

Can a VPN protect all of my devices?

If you set up your VPN on your router, every connection will make the same trip to your desired VPN location. This is also how you can use a VPN on a device that doesn’t inherently support VPN usage.

Are there any downsides to using a VPN?

The only possible downsides to VPN usage are a slight spike in data usage (think 5-15%) and a decrease in speeds at times. To avoid slowed internet, choose a closer VPN server. The less distance your data needs to travel, the faster it is.

Should my VPN stay on all the time?

If you’re using a VPN for cybersecurity, get the most out of these protections by leaving it on all the time. Better yet, choose a provider that offers a “killswitch,” which protects you by cutting your internet if the VPN loses connection.