Find out which eight countries, including three Arab countries, forbid the use of VPN services and what will happen to you if you do so
Before choosing a VPN, the first thing that comes to mind is whether it is legal or not. It is a very common question that appears daily in forums and websites where a group of users ask this question, and considering the implications of bypassing the law, it is good to know the answer in detail.
However, the answer depends on each country. Some, like Russia and China, have declared VPNs illegal; on the other hand, some countries still allow their use.
Before getting into the legality of VPNs, it is important to know that while using a VPN is legal in your country, it is not allowed to do any illegal activity while using it. If you do something illegal through a VPN, you are subject to the law in your country and will be prosecuted. So, while a VPN helps you hide your identity, actions like selling copyrighted material, spreading viruses, etc. are illegal, and you may get into legal trouble.
As mentioned earlier, the legality of VPNs varies from country to country. Although some Arab countries, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom allow the use of VPNs, other countries do not. Here is a list of countries where VPNs are completely or partially banned:
China: It is illegal to use VPNs in China. VPN providers can continue to offer their services if they obtain a license from the government, but the conditions they must meet conflict with the goals of using one.
Iraq: In order to track and stop ISIS, Iraq has completely banned the use of VPNs. Although the intention may be good, it brings with it inconvenience and discomfort to its citizens.
United Arab Emirates: Using a VPN in the United Arab Emirates can be expensive, as the fines are steep (up to £412,240). The main reason for this ban is the use of VOIP services, which significantly reduces the revenues of telecommunications companies; the government has adopted this measure to help these companies.
Turkey: The Turkish government has blocked several websites, including those of VPN providers, to contain the use of social networks.
Belarus: In 2015, following in the footsteps of Russia, Belarus decided to ban the use of Tor and VPN services. ISPs must block all services that appear on the government’s blacklist.
Oman: This country actively blocks and censors information, including the Internet, so the use of VPNs is also prohibited.
Iran: The law on the use of VPNs states that they can be used, but only those licensed by the government. Another clear case against the reasons for using VPNs.
Russia: The Russian government passed a law banning VPNs.
This is not a complete list, and laws are constantly changing, so it is a good idea to always check the legislation in your country.