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Is a VPN legal? What's allowed and what isn't
In most countries, including every EU country, the United States, Canada and Australia, using a VPN is allowed. Rules differ by country and can change, and even in countries where VPN use is legal, restrictions can apply to specific uses.
Which countries have restrictions?
- China: VPN services are tightly regulated, many international VPN services are blocked and officially only approved services may be offered
- Russia: several VPN services have been blocked, with rules restricting the use of unapproved VPN services
- United Arab Emirates and Oman: using a VPN itself isn't necessarily banned, but using one to access illegal content is
- North Korea: internet access is extremely restricted for ordinary citizens regardless of VPN use
- Turkmenistan: highly restrictive internet policy, VPN use is actively countered
Legal use vs. illegal use
Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but what you do with it might not be. Illegally downloading copyrighted material remains illegal, VPN or not. The same goes for accessing content that's banned in a country for reasons other than geo-blocking. Worth noting: a VPN hides your IP address and protects your connection, but it doesn't make you fully anonymous online, websites, apps and VPN providers themselves can still process certain data.
Practical advice for travelers
- Check the current rules for your destination before you leave, legislation changes regularly, especially in China and Russia
- Download and install your VPN app before departure, in restrictive countries the app stores for VPNs are sometimes blocked too
- Fully install and configure your VPN before departure and keep your account details and settings handy, in case you run into trouble on the road
- Traveling for work, check whether your employer requires a specific VPN or whether the company network actually blocks outside VPNs