Are VPNs considered legal products? Is it legal to use such VPN software to access Netflix, browse the web, and play games, among other things? This article will provide you with the answers to such queries.
A VPN stands for “virtual private network,” which refers to an encrypted private connection established between a device and a network to guarantee the security of any data transferred. As implied by the explanation, the primary reason for using a VPN is for online security. That’s exactly correct, and apart from security, since the VPN user’s IP address is changed to one provided by the VPN server, the VPN user may profit from both online anonymity and geo-locked-content unblocking at the same time.
With a growing awareness of network security and freedom, a rising number of everyday netizens are turning to VPN services to safeguard and liberate themselves from internet restrictions and criminality. Indeed, businesses and the general public often use VPN technology in corporate and public Wi-Fi settings, respectively. In this post, we will primarily discuss the legality of consumer VPN software.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
VPN applications are generally legal to use in the majority of countries worldwide. That being said, if you live in a VPN-monitored country such as China or Russia, or a VPN-banned country such as Belarus or Iraq, you should take your VPN activity seriously.
We do not suggest using a VPN in the following countries
Belarus – Since 2016, VPNs have been completely prohibited.
Belarus began banning all internet anonymizers in 2016 to assist citizens in achieving digital independence, which undoubtedly includes virtual private network (VPN) applications. In April 2021, Belarus’ parliament introduced numerous pieces of legislation aimed at further restricting the general public’s right to free expression and exerting control over the work of independent media in the country.
Iraq – VPN use is prohibited for both people and businesses.
Iraq implemented internet restrictions, including the use of VPNs, during the conflict with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) from 2013 to 2017, to protect against ISIL’s social media manipulation. Iraq, one of the most restrictive countries on internet use, seems unwilling to lift the complete ban on VPNs in light of ongoing terror threats from ISIL, also known as ISIS.
North Korea – It is prohibited for all residents to use VPNs.
North Korea’s People’s Republic is such a closed country that all its citizens live under severe rules and are cut off from the outside world. As a result, it’s not surprising that VPNs are prohibited and considered criminal instruments. Additionally, anybody who uses a VPN may have difficulties and may be asked to join the security agency.
Nonetheless, the government provides free internet access and the ability to utilize VPN applications to visitors.
Turkmenistan – VPNs are completely prohibited.
Turkmenistan is the last country to impose significant internet restrictions. Even if the government owns and controls only internet service providers. They do not want their citizens to communicate with foreign news organizations and therefore prohibit VPN use completely. If a user is discovered using a VPN or proxy, he or she will face administrative fines and “preventive conversations” with the Ministry of National Security.
Use VPNs cautiously in the following countries
Only approved VPN services and use are permitted in China.
China enacted legislation in early 2017 to make (using) VPNs illegal. As a result, Apple is regularly removing VPN services from the China App Store. If a person’s company needs the development or use of VPNs, he or she must get permission from Chinese authorities to be a lawful creator or user. This implies that regardless of the purpose of using a VPN, it is potentially unlawful to use one to bypass national internet limitations.
China is a typical country with a sophisticated internet censorship regime. The well-known Great Firewall/GFW is responsible for enforcing the cross-border network access restriction. Although many VPNs have been blocked by GFW and deleted from app stores in recent years, users may always discover alternate programs or methods to circumvent GFW. As a result, the government’s efforts to improve and strengthen GFW are never-ending. That is why it is becoming more difficult for VPNs to operate in China (especially during any big government event). Some even demand users to do some settings manually, which is inconvenient for novices. Even though many VPNs are illegal to use, there have been no reports of users, particularly foreigners, being punished by governments for everyday VPN use.
Russia – using a VPN is prohibited unless you are attempting to access restricted content.
Similarly, Russia enacted similar legislation in 2017, prohibiting citizens from using a VPN or anonymizer to access restricted websites or applications. Specifically, it does not ban VPNs outright, but does restrict the use of VPNs and similar technologies to access websites placed on the government’s blacklist. To make it more difficult for ordinary citizens to do so, Russia continues to ban a large number of websites related to VPNs, anonymizers, and unblocking prohibited content.
Iran – only VPNs that have been authorized by the government are legal (to use).
Iran’s Islamic Republic is also well-known for its strict internet restrictions. It began censoring and blocking access to VPN services in 2013, just before the presidential election. Following that, it’s difficult for Iranians to bypass the internet filter and access many of the world’s most popular news websites, social networking platforms, and video streaming services. If any internet activist, computer geek, or blogger crosses the line, he or she will most certainly risk incarceration and torture. Additionally, some VPNs have received official permission. Obviously, such technologies will gather and monitor your data.
Oman – While VPNs are lawful, they are not permitted for personal usage.
In early 2010, Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a draft rule prohibiting the use of personal VPNs. If anybody violates it by using a VPN to circumvent ISP restrictions or by using banned VOIP, they will be fined RO 500 or 1000, depending on the actual use.
However, organizations and institutions that require a VPN for their operations or security network are allowed to utilize a VPN after they have completed the TRA registration process.
Turkey – A new nation has a tendency to outright prohibit VPNs.
Although Turkey imposes strict internet censorship, particularly on social media, and prohibits the use of VPNs and Tor, they are still legal as long as they are not used to access banned websites in this stunning vacation destination. Turkey’s Nationalist Movement Party has suggested a full ban on VPNs, so it’s possible that shortly it could be completely illegal to operate a VPN in this region.
UAE (United Arab Emirates) – You are allowed to use a VPN to access restricted websites.
Numerous businesses, institutions, and banks in the UAE have integrated VPNs into their everyday operations for internal purposes. These activities are lawful, but any person who uses a VPN or similar technology to conceal their IP address and switch to a new fake IP to engage in undetectable acts, access restricted websites, or even commit crimes may face prison time and a fine. All of these provisions are spelled out in the UAE’s Cyber Law.
Is using a VPN for streaming, gaming, or torrenting illegal?
There are many concerns online about the legality of using a VPN for Netflix, Mobile Legends, torrenting, and other similar activities. In summary, they are not unlawful in the majority of instances. However, if you live in a country with strict internet censorship, you risk doing so. Additionally, obtaining and sharing unlicensed copyrighted content through pirate sites or streaming platforms is definitely unlawful, since you are violating applicable copyright laws.
VPNs are critical for the following reasons:
- Popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, iPlayer, Disney Plus, and HBO often serve several countries and provide customized video libraries for each country or area.
- The laws governing internet censorship differ by country. Being in a censored country exposes you to varying degrees of content filtering, including video websites, games, social media applications, news websites, blog platforms, forums, and content encyclopedias.
- For a variety of reasons, such as travel, business, vacation, or studying abroad, an individual leaves their own country and travels to another with distinct internet restrictions. You want to pursue internet liberty.
- You’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network and concerned about data security.
Regardless of the purpose of using a VPN, always verify and adhere to local regulations. If you don’t have a VPN to safeguard your privacy and security online, or if your VPN isn’t working properly, such as a sluggish connection, a lack of accessible locations or IP addresses, or anything similar, NordVPN comes highly recommended.
NordVPN has thousands of servers in several countries and numerous locations worldwide. NordVPN enables you to experience anonymous and safe online browsing and unblock geo-restricted content at will by providing ECC (the highest degree of security encryption technology), proprietary server acceleration technology, and a zero-log policy.
Final remarks
VPN technology is mainly used to enhance internet security by transmitting data through encrypted tunnels using the VPN protocol, which makes VPN applications basically legal tools. What qualifies a VPN as prohibited software or makes its use illegal? On the one hand, since every coin has two sides, many lawbreakers use VPNs to conduct crimes. On the other hand, to create a more peaceful and controlled online society, several countries have simply made VPN use partly or completely illegal.