In addition, there are a few countries where VPNs are allowed but their usage is restricted.
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hey Note:This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Neither I nor anyone at SafetyDetectives condones doing anything illegal.
You should always check local laws to be aware of regulations in your jurisdiction.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN?
These may include:
Where Are VPNs Illegal?
I have provided a list below of countries where VPNs are 100% illegal/banned.
If youre caught using a VPN in the country, you may be subjected to fines.
Iraq
VPNs have been illegal in Iraq since 2014.
However, the governments firewall isnt as strong as Chinas or North Koreas.
Theres little information on what might happen if youre caught using a VPN in the country.
North Korea
VPNs are completely banned in North Korea.
Most people in North Korea dont have access to the internet.
Only those with special authorization and foreigners have access to the real internet.
The punishment for using a VPN in the country is unclear.
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan banned VPNs in 2019.
It even forced its citizens to swear on the Quran that they wont use VPNs.
Those caught using a VPN are fined an unspecified amount.
Where Are VPNs Restricted?
Below is a list of countries where VPNs are legal, but their use is heavily restricted.
This may mean that only certain approved VPNs are allowed or that the government blocks VPN websites and traffic.
Egypt
Egypt doesnt have a law that bans VPNs, but the government blocks them.
This means that VPN websites might be unavailable in the country.
This basically means that VPNs with servers in the country cant be relied on to protect your privacy.
For example, ExpressVPNs Indian servers are actually in the UK.
Using a non-approved VPN can get you a prison sentence.
Russia also bans individual VPNs with mixed success.
If youre caught using an unapproved VPN, you may face a fine.
Turkey
VPNs are legal, but the government blocks VPN websites, IP addresses, and traffic.
If youre caught, you may get a fine and even temporary imprisonment.
The law specifically states that youre not allowed to use fraudulent computer connection protocol to commit a crime.
Uganda
Ugandas government isnt a huge fan of VPNs.
How Are VPN Restrictions Enforced?
The bottom line is it depends on the country.
Depending on where you are, you could be fined or face imprisonment and lose your internet connection.
A good example of this is Iraq and China.
Iraq bans VPNs, but its poor internet infrastructure means that its not able to pinpoint every VPNs use.
In other countries, however, you could face hefty fines or even imprisonment.
The penalties you face may also depend on what you did with the VPN.
Is It Possible to Bypass VPN Blocks?
Yes, its possible to bypass VPN blocks in restrictive countries, to access a free and open internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to stream using a VPN?
Yes, as long as youre ina country where VPNs are legal.
Can you get in trouble for using a VPN?
Where am I not allowed to use a VPN?
VPNs are legal in most countries, but there are a few countries that ban or restrict VPNs.
What is the punishment for using a VPN?
The punishment for using a VPN illegally depends on where you are.
In countries where VPNs are restricted or banned, penalties can range from fines to imprisonment.
The severity of the punishment may vary depending on what you were using the VPN for.
