VPNs are popular with those who travel a lot, use the Internet a lot or those who are trying to improve online protection and privacy.
But this technology remains controversial despite the fact that it has been around for years. Below we will see what a VPN is and we will answer the question, "is it illegal?".
What is VPN?
A VPN, which means Virtual Private Network, is software that hides your computer's IP address and transmits your data over an encrypted channel.
The result is that the users VPNs are much more secure in case of breaches due to the encryption techniques used. They are also difficult to trace as their computer address is not exposed.
So a VPN can be very useful if you are trying to unblock specific sites and overcome the geographical limitations of certain services. For example, Netflix has different content libraries depending on the country in which a user is located. However, if this user uses a VPN connection, they can hide it real its location and therefore has access to whichever Netflix library it chooses.
VPN: legal or illegal?
For the most part, using a VPN is legal. However, it is important to mention that using a VPN for illegal activities is prohibited. Illegal activity depends on the country you are in. For example, tracking porn or accessing gay websites is illegal in some Middle Eastern countries. But it is legal in many western countries.
Netflix for example has country specific licenses content. When you access Netflix content from a country other than where you live, you are breaking the law.
So why use a VPN?
Using a VPN for other purposes can be helpful in trying to stay safe online. By hiding your identity and encrypting them data you make the hacker's life very difficult in the event of a hack. Cybercriminals not only have a hard time accessing your data, but even if they do, they can't read it as they won't have an encryption key.
In which countries are VPNs illegal?
As mentioned, VPNs may be legal, but using them for illegal activity is a criminal offense. However, there are some countries where the use of VPN is completely illegal. The following is a short list.
Belarus - Those who use VPN services in Belarus violate the law.
China - China likes to monitor its citizens' internet usage, and VPN usage is banned or should be licensed by the government.
Iran - Any VPN services in Iran must be licensed by the government.
Iraq - VPN services are prohibited
Oman - If people who use VPN are found they face a fine of 1000+ dollars.
Russia - Not all VPN providers in Russia are approved. All services that have been approved block specific content and sites.
Turkey Authorities have begun to block the use of VPNs.
Uganda ISPs in Uganda have recently blocked all VPN services, although there is no law stating that they are illegal.
UAE - The use of VPNs is illegal.
Knowing how, where and why you can use a VPN is the key to keeping up with the law. Knowing where you can use it legally and for what content is crucial if you do not want to have any legal problems - especially in a foreign country.
