As mentioned in the title, the rest of our article is about the list of countries in which the use of a VPN is legal. However, caution is advised if you are staying there. Find all the details for each destination below.
Algeria
Although the VPN is legal, this country is known for its policy regarding the use of the Internet. The government is forcing ISPs to monitor internet users' online activities.
The publication of defamatory content is sanctioned by Algerian law. In addition, social networks as well as sites with political content are often blocked there.
Angola
This country is famous for the Internet censorship policy adopted by its government. The crackdown on social networks was announced publicly in 2016 by José Eduardo dos Santos, President of the Republic at the time.
In addition, since this year, freedom of expression has been seriously threatened following the entry into force of the law on the press deemed to be liberticidal. However, using a VPN is still legal in this country, as it is not prohibited by Angolan law.
Saudi Arabia
The use of VPNs is legal there, which could not be more surprising. Indeed, this country is known for the extreme restrictions on the use of the Internet. Hundreds of thousands of apps and websites have been blocked.
Thousands of internet users have also been arrested and punished with heavy prison sentences and fines for posting defamatory content.
Australia
The number of users using the VPN in Australia, which is legal there, has been increasing for some time. Indeed, the Australian government has decided to block specific platforms, such as those used to download torrents.
In addition, it requires ISPs to record user data in order to be able to monitor their online activities.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani internet users are subject to censorship. Independent media as well as social networks are blocked. It is not to be seen to see the muscular arrest of activists who risk heavy prison terms. To this day, the use of Android VPN is still legal there.
Belarus
The Belarusian government could make the use of VPNs illegal in the coming years. Indeed, it wishes to prohibit the use of technologies allowing Internet users to browse the Web anonymously.
Virtual Private Networks have been on the list of restricted access websites for several years. For the moment, users can still use it freely ... But until when?
Brunei
The online activities of Bruneian Internet users are closely monitored by the government. Those arrested for defamatory comments on social networks received prison sentences and more or less heavy fines. However, using a VPN is still legal for now.
Bulgaria
The Bulgarian government monitors the every move of its citizens on the Internet. With the consent of the ISPs, it can monitor Internet users' online activities in real time. No restriction regarding the use of Virtual Private Networks has yet been issued.
Cambodia
Freedom of expression is threatened by the Cambodian government. The latter closely monitors the online activities of Internet users. Arrests of numerous activists have been observed following publications deemed harmful on social networks. In contrast, VPNs are still legal in this country.
Cameroon
Cameroonian internet users have the right to surf the web safely, as the use of a VPN is legal in this country. However, the government adopts a strict policy to monitor the online activities of citizens. Social media are in his sights, as these platforms would be a threat to peace.
The popular newspaper “Cameroon Tribune” is completely under his control, thus completely harming the freedom of the press. In addition, several activists have been arrested, especially in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon.
Canada
VPNs are legal in Canada. However, the government had tried to block them in the past. In addition, although it is among the most flexible countries in terms of rights and freedom of expression, it also has many weak points.
Indeed, it is best known for mass surveillance of the online activities of its citizens. It should be noted that it adopts a strict data retention policy.
Chile
The Chilean government is keeping a close watch on internet users' online activities. Despite the evolution of the laws on the no-log policy, the criticisms persist, because they are not always respected. However, VPNs are legal there.
China
This country is famous for its "Great Firewall". Majority of popular websites like Google, YouTube or Facebook are blocked. While VPNs are not illegal, the Chinese government does not hesitate to censor provider platforms.
Many people working for these operators have been arrested and sentenced to heavy sentences. In reality, the government of this country only allows the use of providers controlled by them directly (and not allowing you to circumvent censorship).
United States of America
American Internet users have always faced controversial situations regarding freedom of expression. Even if the government does not really adopt an Internet censorship policy, the problem lies mainly in monitoring the online activities of citizens.
Indeed, this is probably not the first time that you have heard of information leaks. Several government institutions are involved, such as the FBI and the NSA, among others. In addition, ISPs are also advised to keep an eye on the activities of their customers. However, the use of VPNs is legal in this country.
Guatemala
Freedom of speech and of the press: terms that are not very common in this country known for harboring ancient Mayan sites. The online activities of Internet users are constantly under surveillance. VPNs are still legal in Guatemala.
Hungary
The media are often subject to censorship by government decision. The latter also proposed a law to prohibit end-to-end encryption, which goes against the respect for private life. However, using VPNs in Hungary is legal.
Iran
The Iranian government authorizes the use of Virtual Private Networks. However, Internet users can only subscribe to a single supplier, which is itself controlled by the state. However, the software offered by the latter does not unblock censored sites such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. What good in this case?
Kosovo
VPNs are legal in this country. The policy adopted by the Kosovar government in terms of privacy is far from exemplary. The latter can access the personal data and online activities of each Internet user at will, thanks to the laws in force.
Kuwait
Freedom of expression is not fully respected in this country. Indeed, the Kuwaiti government is adopting a particularly restrictive Internet policy, following the entry into force of the law on cybercrime. However, the use of VPNs is legal there.
Laos
Although VPNs are legal in this country, Internet users do not have any freedom when it comes to using the Internet. The blocking of many platforms is motivated by political considerations.
Moreover, even if they are abroad, citizens are not immune from government repression. For example, three Internet users of Laotian origin were arrested while in Thailand. They were accused of posting anti-government content on social media.
Liberia
The online activities of citizens are monitored by the Liberian government. In addition, the latter does not hesitate to censor certain websites. Moreover, the freedom of the press is not respected. However, VPNs are legal in this small West African country.
Malaysia
The use of VPNs is legal in Malaysia. However, this country is notorious for the censorship put in place when it comes to the Internet. Freedom of expression and of the press are restricted there. The government is uncompromising with regard to content published on the Web.
There have been reports of arrests of Internet users who had made anti-government publications. The same is true of many bloggers who had alluded to the corruption scandal in which the Malaysian prime minister was involved.
Nepal
VPN is legal in "Yeti Country". At the moment, Nepalese internet users enjoy unlimited internet access. However, the government had previously applied a somewhat aggressive political strategy aimed at filtering certain content.
In addition, users had already faced a long period of blackout. The government recently signaled its wish to restrict online activity.
Oman
A heavy Internet censorship policy is applied in this country. It is good to know that using VPNs is not illegal there, but some providers' sites are blocked.
Thus, Internet users are only allowed to use Private Virtual Networks authorized by the government. This means that the no-log policy is probably non-existent there. Additionally, there were reports of several arrests involving activists and bloggers who posted anti-government material.
Uzbekistan
VPNs are legal in this Central Asian country. Uzbeks are subject to internet censorship. Online communication applications are blocked, like Skype and WhatsApp.
Some platforms had also been subject to restrictions, such as the Institute for War & Peace Reporting website. Freedom of expression and of the press are thus threatened.
Poland
Although the use of VPNs is legal in this country, its government recently adopted a policy to restrict Internet activity. The online publications of Polish citizens are checked. To date, no heavy sanction has yet been recorded, but the situation is likely to change rapidly.
Rwanda
Rwandan residents do not enjoy complete freedom when it comes to internet use. During election periods, Internet users' online activities are spied on by the government in place.
The slightest deeds and gestures on the Internet of candidates for elections are particularly monitored. Even though VPNs are legal in this country, there have been arrests on political grounds.
Senegal
Apparently, internet use has not yet been restricted. However, the government reserves the right to enforce strict censorship thanks to the new law put in place.
In addition, freedom of the press is non-existent in this country. According to reports, journalists accused of defamatory remarks have received heavy prison sentences. Despite this, the use of VPNs is legal in this country.
Serbia
The Serbian government is monitoring the online activities of citizens. Freedom of expression is illusory in this country. At the slightest misstep, the dissidents risk arrest, with more or less severe criminal penalties. However, VPNs are legal in Serbia.
Singapore
Internet access is limited by government restrictions. Websites displaying their political stripe are closed without warning. Opponents who publish content that is defamatory of the government face prison terms and / or a fine of varying severity. However, the use of VPNs is legal in this country.
Sudan
Sudanese Internet users do not enjoy any freedom when it comes to using the Internet. Many have been arrested for expressing defamatory views against the government.
It is not uncommon to see security forces raiding internet cafes. Nonetheless, VPNs are legal in this country and their use is growing in popularity.
Syria
Although the use of Virtual Private Networks is authorized in this country, it is among those whose practice of censorship is the strongest. The Syrian government has been monitoring the online activities of citizens for years.
The current regime has ordered many websites to be blocked. Cases of arrests and kidnappings have been reported because of differences in political views.
Turkey
The regime in this country is particularly strict when it comes to internet restrictions. It doesn't hesitate to block popular platforms like Tor, Facebook, WhatsApp or Twitter, among others. The government has yet to officially announce whether VPNs are legal or not.
However, some providers are censored. Numerous journalists and protesters were also arrested for defaming the government. Online activity is monitored by a group known as "Turkey Blocks”.
Tunisia
In terms of Internet use, Tunisian citizens have experienced ups and downs. Indeed, many websites were censored when Zine El Abiding Ben Ali was in power.
While calm seemed to have returned for some time, reports claimed that the government again decided to impose restrictions. However, VPNs on Mac, PC… are still legal there to this day.
UK
No law relating to Internet restrictions has yet been enacted in this country. However, the government reserves the right to conduct online surveillance activities. In addition, the no-log policy is not applied there.
The logbook of each Internet user can therefore be checked in real time. While the use of VPNs is legal in this country, it is worth noting that access to some providers' websites has been blocked.
Tajikistan
Tajik Internet users have the right to use Virtual Private Network freely. On the other hand, some news platforms as well as social networks such as Facebook have been censored for expressing controversial views about the president or the policy adopted by the regime. Freedom of speech and of the press are threatened in this country.
Tanzania
Tanzania is infamous for its censorship, especially that related to internet use. A bill on cybercrime was accepted and entered into force in 2015. Internet users accused of having published defamatory remarks risk more or less severe criminal penalties. However, VPNs are legal in this country.
Chad
The Chadian government closely monitors the online activities of citizens, especially during election periods. In addition, Internet access is limited by increasingly widespread restrictions, which can include frequent Internet shutdowns. For the moment, no law prohibits the use of Virtual Private Networks.
Thailand
While the use of VPNs is legal in this country, Internet users should be very careful about what they post on the Internet. Indeed, bloggers have been arrested for defamation. In addition, the government has decided to censor some popular sites like WikiLeaks.
Vietnam
While VPNs are not illegal in this country, it is categorized as "non-free" companies by the non-governmental organization Freedom House. This is due to the heavy censorship of online activity adopted there.
In addition, Vietnam is the source of the infamous Decree 72. This is a law applied since September 2013 stipulating that it is a criminal offense to criticize the government. The dissidents risk a stay in prison and a fine of $ 4,740.
Yemen
While the use of VPNs is legal in this country, Yemeni internet users are subject to heavy internet censorship. The Houthi militias even go so far as to threaten to ban it completely. As the situation is likely to change rapidly, it is recommended that you keep abreast of the news.
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