Are VPNs Legal? Are VPNs Illegal to use?

Bahrain

Bahrain does not make the use of VPNs illegal, but the country does monitor Internet use and censor websites that it finds contain questionable content.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh once made international headlines for completely eliminating access to the Internet within its borders by mistake. Today, the country has been known to block some web apps and social media platforms like WhatsApp, but VPN use is still allowed.

Barbados

There are no VPN or Internet restrictions imposed in Barbados.

Belarus

Belarus is not usually thought of in the same regards as China or Russia, but it has taken the same approach toward Internet censorship. Both VPNs and TOR are banned within the country’s borders. The goal is to prevent citizens from accessing websites that have been restricted.

Belgium

This country does not legally penalize those who use VPNs. If you plan on visiting, a VPN is a wise choice. Belgium has been known to block some websites that it considers anti-government or offensive.

Belize

Many VoIP services have been blocked in Belize, but the use of a VPN is still permitted. It can be used in the country to access apps like Skype.

Benin

No reports have been made of Benin attempting to censor the Internet or prohibit the use of a VPN.

Bhutan

Bhutan does not tolerate what it believes are websites which oppose the state. It blocks access to such sites, but using a VPN has not been prohibited by the government.

Bolivia

Bolivia asserts its right to censor some websites and services, and it also has a reputation for censoring journalists. There is also some social media monitoring. A VNP is still legal to use despite these restrictions.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

As strange as it may seem, some social media content and use of social media sites is against the law in this country. At the present time it is still legal to use a VPN, which allows many people to access their social media accounts even under such restrictions.

Botswana

The country of Botswana has no existing prohibitions on the use of VPNs, and it does not actively censor the Internet.

Brazil

Brazil is in the midst of an ongoing battle by legislators to control and censor content on the Internet. It has also banned WhatsApp many times since 2016. The country may eventually try to move against the use of VPNs, but that has not happened so far. It is legal to use a VPN.

Brunei

VPNs are legal here, but the government does monitor Internet use.

Bulgaria

Real-time Internet monitoring and censorship are actively practiced in Bulgaria, but there is no specific law against using a VPN. One should monitor the country for changes to its policies.

Burkina Faso

Very few people in this area have access to the Internet. For the 11% or so who do, using a VPN is perfectly legal.

Burundi

Apps like Viber and WhatsApp have been blocked by this country in the past. Only a small percentage of the population has Internet access, but those who do are allowed to use a VPN.

Cambodia

The government in Cambodia has been known to arrest individuals for making Facebook posts that it considers offensive to the state. It controls online activity to a large degree, but the legal use of a VPN makes it possible for some people to evade monitoring by the state.

Cameroon

Certain regions in Cameroon are subjected to Internet censorship, but the use of a VPN is legal in the country for the time being. In some regions of the country there is no Internet access allowed.

Canada

Some lawmakers have called upon the Canadian government to ban VPNs, but so far there has been no move to make VPN use illegal. Canada remains one of the most progressive and free countries in the world.

Cape Verde

We were able to find no reports of Internet censorship in Cape Verde. It is also legal for residents to use a VPN.

Central African Republic

The government here does like to control the Internet and other forms of communication, and it has even gone so far as to block text messages. At the time it is still legal to use a VPN, but this is always subject to change.

Chad

Chad has restricted access in the past to websites like the BBC, and it also censors other types of Internet activity. There is no prohibition on the use of a VPN.

Chile

It is legal to use a VPN in Chile, but visitors to the country may find that access to their favorite social media network has been blocked. Buy a plan from VPNAccounts.com before you visit this region.

China

The legend of the Great Firewall of China has spread far and wide. The Chinese government restricts access to many websites, and it also prevents the use of unauthorized VPNs. Those who offer VPN service are subjected to a strict approval process in order to get a license, and many feel that those which obtain a VPN license are under the control of the government.

Colombia

There are no efforts to censor Internet use in Colombia, and using a VPN is also permitted.

Commonwealth of the Bahamas

Anyone in the Bahamas is free to use a VPN and access the Internet without censorship, although there have been efforts in the past to restrict access.

Comoros

Using a VPN is legal in this country, and Internet freedom is upheld for all.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

One is likely to find that there are Internet restrictions against some web services and websites, but there is no law which would keep individuals from using a VPN.

Republic of the Congo

This country has gone so far as to shut down use of the Internet completely, especially when protests are conducted in the country. The government here also keeps a watchful eye on how the Internet is being used, but it is legal for individuals to use a VPN.

Costa Rica

There are very strict cybercrime laws in effect in Costa Rica, but there has been no move to stop the use of VPNs.

Côte d’Ivoire

This country gives individuals Internet freedom, and it does not seek to make using a VPN illegal.

Croatia

While Croatia has surely been a hotbed of controversy, it does not restrict Internet access or the use of a VPN.

Cuba

In Cuba it is legal to use a VPN, but the Cuban government is known for Internet censorship and blocking access to some websites.

Curacao

Journalists are regularly harassed in this country by the authorities, and there is some effort to control Internet activity. At the present time it is still legal to use a VPN.

Cyprus

Using a VPN here is legal, and there is little effort to censor websites on the Internet.

Czech Republic

There have been efforts in this country that would create a positive identification system for anyone that is accessing the Internet. So far, those efforts have failed. It is still legal to use a VPN here, but there can be limited censorship of Internet sites.

Denmark

Denmark has been using Internet censorship for many years. It has even sought to pass laws that would severely inhibit Internet freedom. As of this writing, using a VPN in Denmark is still legal for all residents and visitors to the country.

Djibouti

There is only one ISP in the country, and it is owned by the state. Those who live in the country must pay high prices for Internet service, and there are high levels of censorship. VPNs are legal, and they are recommended if you plan on visiting this part of the world.

Dominica

Dominica supports Internet freedom and does not censor web content. Anyone in the country is welcome to use a VPN for enhanced security while browsing online.

Dominican Republic

There is no restriction on the use of VPNs in the Dominican Republic. The country also allows access to all sites without any type of government censorship.

Ecuador

There have been accusations in the past that ISPs in the country have cooperated with censorship and surveillance efforts. A document that was leaked in 2016 showed that one of the country’s primary ISPs was acting as instructed by the government. VPNs remain legal, but the country could change its stance at any time.

Egypt

Egypt does not have a great track record when it comes to upholding the rights of citizens to use the Internet as they please. This has been even worse during the past few years, but using a VPN is still allowed today. To access many of your favorite sites, a VPN will be required when you travel to Egypt.

El Salvador

There have been accusations of wrongdoing by the citizens when it comes to freedom of information in El Salvador, but the country has not made VPN use illegal.

Equatorial Guinea

Freedom of speech is often under assault in Equatorial Guinea, but the country does not prohibit VPN use. Anyone can use a VPN to unblock restricted websites or engage in anonymous browsing.

Eritrea

Just 1% of citizens in this country have Internet access, and most of that is given to government officials and their families. The country is regarded by journalistic associations as being hostile to freedom of the press, but it does allow the use of VPN by the few people that are allowed Internet access.

Estonia

Ranked first in Internet freedom by the Freedom on the Net Index, Estonia does not prohibit VPN use. It is one of the most liberated countries when it comes to Internet usage.

Ethiopia

This country has made headlines for criminalizing the use of VoIP services like Skype. It has also engaged in strict forms of Internet censorship. Nevertheless, one can use a VPN with complete freedom in Ethiopia.

Fiji

This island nation is agreeable to the use of VPN services, and there are no restrictions.

Finland

Finland has taken a strong stance against certain forms of Internet porn that involve children, and most would agree this is good. There is some limited censorship in other areas, but using a VPN is perfectly legal.

France

You might be surprised to know that France has blocked more than 2,600 websites! There have been attempts at passing laws which would allow for Internet surveillance, but VPN use is still legal.

Gabon

Many social media platforms are blocked in this country, and there is even a 12-hour curfew for Internet use. Despite these measures, individuals can still use a VPN to improve their online security and access social networks.

Gambia

It is common for this country to restrict Internet access, especially during election periods. It has also used sweeping censorship in the past. VPN use is legal, but this is always subject to change without warning.

Georgia

Georgia can tend to vacillate between its positions on Internet censorship and government surveillance, but VPN use is still allowed at this time.

Germany

Germany has recently passed laws regarding the government’s ability to censor social media. It has chosen to keep VPN use legal. In fact, many VPN servers can be found in Germany, and the country is forward-thinking in its approach to Internet freedom.

Ghana

It is legal to use a VPN in Ghana, even though the government does shut down some social media platforms during times of elections. Otherwise, Ghana is probably one of the most liberal countries in Africa.

Greece

At one point Greece was very open-minded when it came to Internet access by its citizens, but there have been some recent moves that indicate censorship may be on the horizon. This has not affected VPN usage. It is still legal in Greece.

Grenada

Those who access web content in Grenada that is considered by the state to be offensive can find themselves charged with a criminal offense and put in jail. Using a VPN is still legal. It is also a good choice to prevent running afoul of the country’s laws on content.

Guatemala

You can use a VPN in Guatemala, but your freedom of speech and privacy could be at risk. A VPN in this country is legal, and it is always recommended if you want to maintain your Internet privacy.

Guinea

Guinea makes no restriction on the use of a VPN, and it does not embrace censorship on any level.

Guinea-Bissau

VPNs can be legally used in this country, and Internet access is uncensored.

Guyana

You can access the Internet in Guyana without fear of censorship, and you can also use a VPN without worry. Doing so is legal.

Haiti

Haiti allows the use of VPNs, and it also refrains from Internet censorship.

Honduras

There are measures currently being taken by the Honduran government which many feel would restrict Internet freedom, but those measures do not include a ban on VPN use. It is legal to use a VPN in Honduras.

Hungary

This country is moving towards the creation of laws which could hamper the Internet freedom of its citizens, but for the present there is no law against using a VPN when browsing the Internet.

Iceland

Iceland maintains a reputation as one of the most liberal countries in the world when it comes to Internet freedom. It should come as no surprise that Iceland allows VPN use, and even allows VPN providers to advertise their services.

India

There is a high level of Internet censorship in India. Many different types of sites have been blocked. These include VoIP apps like Skype, gambling websites, and even some cryptocurrency exchanges. VPN use is legal, so if you happen to visit the country you may be able to unblock any restricted websites or apps.

Indonesia

In Indonesia there are blocks of services like Netflix, YouTube, and Vimeo. If you are going to visit this country, obtain VPN service before you arrive. There will be many situations where you need to use a VPN, and doing so is legal.

Iraq

The ongoing conflict between ISIS and the US has led to a ban on VPN use in Iraq. The country has taken a strong stand on control of the Internet in an effort to prevent extremist militants from operating within its borders.

Iran

In Iran they do not allow the use of VPN. If you fail to obide by the rule, and if you are caught using a VPN, you can get up to 365 days in prison, last we checked. However, the use of VPNs in Iran is rampant regardless of the risk.

Ireland

Ireland is okay with individuals using a VPN, but the country does participate in some limited censorship.

Israel

Israel is known to monitor Internet activity to root out crime and terrorist activities. The country does not prohibit the use of a VPN, and using one is recommended.

Italy

There is no reported censorship in the country of Italy, and it is also legal to use a VPN.

Jamaica

In Jamaica you are allowed to use a VPN, and there is no Internet censorship to speak of.

Japan

Japan has a good track record when it comes to Internet freedom. This country does not try to censor the Internet activity of its citizens, nor does it frown upon the use of a VPN. It is legal to use a VPN to browse the Internet safely.

Jordan

Jordan has always been regarded as a political hotbed. It is true that the state takes some measures to censor Internet content that is politically-motivated. There is no restriction of VPN usage, and having one is a good idea for expats and visitors to this country.

Kazakhstan

This is another country that has been known to block certain websites, and the government does exert some control over ISPs. VPNs are legal at the present time, despite the opposition of some government officials.

Kenya

Kenya actually has a very high rating when it comes to Internet freedom. Anyone can legally use a VPN in Kenya.

Kiribati

The government of Kiribati does not practice Internet censorship, and it is legal for residents and visitors to use a VPN if they choose to do so.

Kosovo

There are many privacy concerns which exist in Kosovo. The government exercises a right to conduct surveillance of Internet activity. It has not made VPN service illegal, so using one only makes sense if one cares about their privacy.

Kuwait

You can expect heavy censorship when you visit Kuwait, but also know that you are legally allowed to use a VPN. Some VPN provider websites are blocked, so get your plan before you go from VPNAccounts.com

Kyrgyzstan

Journalists in this country have been known to have a very difficult time getting their news out of the country, but there is no law against using a VPN. Many journalists do so in order to avoid exposing there work or data.

Laos

You can use a VPN legally in Laos, and you are advised to do so. The government is known to infringe upon the privacy of its citizens.

Latvia

VPNs are legal in Latvia. Censorship reports for the country are non-existent.

Lebanon

There have been efforts made in Lebanon to criminalize the use of a VPN, but these efforts have failed so far. Individuals should closely monitor the situation for the latest information before making plans to travel to the country.

Lesotho

The government of this country does not try to restrict Internet use. It also allows anyone to use a VPN legally.

Liberia

Surveillance and censorship have always been a problem in Liberia. This included monitoring the Internet. VPN use is legal, and it should be recommended for anyone visiting the country. This is especially true for members of the press.

Libya

In Libya there is much Internet censorship and restriction, but this does not include a ban on VPNs. It is legal to use a VPN for anonymous browsing.

Liechtenstein

In this country there is great freedom when it comes to using the Internet. It is also legal to use a VPN.

Lithuania

Very little Internet censorship can be found in this country. The government is also fine with anyone that wants to use a VPN for more security.

Luxembourg

We have received no reports of Internet use in Luxembourg being censored. It is also legal to use a VPN.

Macedonia

Macedonia is a good place for all those who like Internet freedom. There is no censorship to speak of, and it is legal to use a VPN.

Madagascar

The only censorship in this country is usually reserved for the media, but the government does not have a law against the use of a VPN. There is also no significant restriction of website content.

Malawi

Malawi has not made headlines for imposing Internet censorship. It also deems VPN use legal for all of its residents.

Malaysia

The government of Malaysia is not above censoring the Internet and restricting access to websites that it deems questionable. However, the country has no problem at the present with VPN usage.

Maldives

Like many other Islamic countries, Maldives does block access to websites and content that it considers to be objectionable. In most cases this means pornographic and dating sites. It is legal to use a VPN, but this could change at some point.

Mali

Anyone is permitted to use a VPN in Mali, and the government does not actively promote Internet censorship.

Malta

In Malta there are new Internet censorship laws which have given some citizens concern. The country appears to be making an effort to restrict various types of content, but it has not made VPNs illegal. One will be necessary to access many websites when you visit the country.

Marshall Islands

In the Marshall Islands there is no law against using a VPN, and the citizens of this small country are allowed free and uncensored Internet access.

Mauritania

Some journalists and other individuals in this country have reported that they have had their freedom of speech violated, and the country does have a checkered past with Internet censorship. They will allow anyone to use a VPN, and no attempts have been made to criminalize VPNs.

Mauritius

Some Internet content may be filtered from time to time by the government, but there does not exist any restriction on using a VPN.

Mexico

There have been reports that Mexico is engaged in government surveillance of the Internet, particularly in regards to journalists and the press. Otherwise, those in Mexico are free to use the Internet as they please, and they can also use a VPN.

Micronesia

VPN use is legal in this small country.

Moldova

In 2016 the state passed a law which many feel will ultimately lead to Internet censorship. As of 2020 this has not been the case, and VPN use is still legal for everyone.

Monaco

Monaco is widely regarded as a place of Internet freedom, and the state does not prohibit anyone from using a VPN.

Mongolia

Some countries restrict access to certain websites. Mongolia restricts access to more than 700 words and phrases! This heavy-handed approach might make you think VPNs are illegal here, but they are permitted. Just don’t get caught searching for those banned words.

Montenegro

On its most recent day of major elections the government prohibited access of WhatsApp and other VoIP apps, presumably to limit the ability of journalists to relay news outside the country. Someone should have told them that many journalists here use a VPN because it is legal to do so.

Morocco

You probably won’t be able to use Skype, Viber, or WhatsApp when you visit this country, but you will be able to use a VPN. It is legal to do so.

Mozambique

The government of Mozambique makes no apologies for spying on the Internet activities of its citizens. This is strange because they also allow the use of a VPN by anyone in the country. If you visit, make sure to use yours.

Myanmar

This country once took a very hard line with Internet freedom, and censorship was rampant. Things have improved somewhat, and VPNs are still legal in the country.

Namibia

No restrictions are placed here on the use of VPNs, and there is no Internet censorship.

Nauru

Social media sites have been a target of censorship in the past, with Facebook being blocked outright. This changes often, so visitors are advised to research the latest restrictions. One thing you can do is use a VPN, so unblocking Facebook should be no problem.

Nepal

The country has stated its intention to monitor Internet activity, but it has no laws against VPN use.

Netherlands

Anyone is free to use a VPN in the Netherlands, and there is no sanctioned Internet censorship.

New Zealand

There have been cases of Internet monitoring in the past by the New Zealand government, but there is no law against using a VPN.

Nicaragua

This nation does not actively monitor the Internet activity of its citizens, and it does not prohibit the use of a VPN by anyone in the country.

Niger

Only about 2% of the population in Niger has access to the Internet. The select few are also free to use a VPN if they choose to do so.

Nigeria

Some social media platforms have been blocked by the state, and some citizens have accused the government of censorship. It is legal, and recommended, to use a VPN when in the country.

North Korea

It should come as no surprise that North Korea makes this list. It is one of the most strict countries when it comes to the Internet, and censorship is rampant. The country has even gone so far as to restrict its citizens to the use of an intranet while only allowing those in high government positions to have unfettered Internet access. VPN websites are banned in North Korea, but visitors to the country may be allowed to use their existing VPN service.

Norway

Just about everyone in Norway has Internet access, and many of them also take advantage of being able to legally use a VPN.

Oman

This small country takes a big approach when it comes to Internet control, censoring many websites and prohibiting the use of VPNs by private individuals. However, a VPN can be used by certain private institutions.

Pakistan

The state has been aggressive in blocking access to websites like Facebook and Twitter in the past, and it may eventually move to make VPN use illegal. For now it is legal to use a VPN in Pakistan.

Palau

You can legally use a VPN in Palau, and you can also take comfort in knowing that there are no current reports of Internet censorship.

Palestine

It is frequent that political websites in Palestine are censored. Access can be restored to such websites with a VPN, because using them in the country is allowed.

Panama

All citizens can legally use a VPN in Panama.

Papua New Guinea

This country has recently passed laws which are intended to be very tough on cybercrime. No one knows for sure how this will affect Internet censorship. For the moment it is allowed to use a VPN in the country.

Paraguay

No Internet censoring has been reported in Paraguay. It is also legal for anyone to use a VPN.

Peru

Freedom to browse the Internet with a VPN is upheld in Peru.

Philippines

There may have been a time when there was Internet censorship and government control over the Internet in the Philippines, but this no longer seems to be the case. VPN use is legal.

Poland

Government surveillance will soon be increasing in Poland thanks to a new law, but for the moment it is still legal to use a VPN.

Portugal

Portugal allows individuals to use a VPN.

Qatar

Using a VPN in Qatar is legal, and thank goodness this is the case. Without a VPN you will not be able to access social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and your activities would also be monitored by the state.

Romania

It is legal to use a VPN here, and you will certainly want to do that if you are gambling online. Romania has passed strict laws against online gambling.

Russia

Russia has established a creative way to cripple VPN providers. It only allows VPN service from providers that have agreed to block access to certain websites. Those who are caught using an unsanctioned VPN are often forced to pay a large fine.

Rwanda

There is reason to believe that the government keep an eye on Internet activities here. That is strange when you consider that VPNs are legal. Using one will keep you protected and safe from prying eyes.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

These are havens of Internet freedom, and VPN use is legal for all.

Saint Lucia

No restrictions have been made on Internet use here.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

It is now illegal here to participate in online defamation due to a recently passed cybercrime law, but many fee like this was just the beginning to greater levels of censorship. For the time being it is still legal to use a VPN, but one should verify before traveling.

Samoa

Samoa does not restrict or otherwise try to control Internet access by its citizens, and it does not prohibit the use of a VPN.

San Marino

VPNs are legal in San Marino, and there are no existing laws which support Internet censorship.

Sao Tome and Principe

The state is very lax when it comes to Internet laws and restrictions, having none to speak of. There is also no law against VPN use.

Saudi Arabia

The Internet situation in Saudi Arabia is strange. No one will deny that the state seeks to control what its citizens can see online. More than five million different websites have been blocked by the Saudi government, essentially turning the regular Internet into a Dark Web that citizens cannot access. Nevertheless, it is still legal to use a VPN.

Senegal

At the moment a VPN is legal in Senegal. This could change without warning. The government has a reputation for spying on its citizens.

Serbia

Freedom of speech online has come under frequent assault in Serbia. A VPN is highly recommended for Internet access, and it is legal to use one.

Seychelles

Those who stand in opposition to the government can find themselves under surveillance when using the Internet, but there is no law against using a VPN. Presumably, this is how many journalists are able to get information out of the country.

Sierra Leone

It is legal to use a VPN in this area, and no reports of censorship have been made.

Singapore

Political websites, activist websites, and other sites the government deems a threat are blocked in Singapore. You’ll need to use a VPN to unblock websites, and doing do is legal.

Sint Maarten

No laws against VPN use means that citizens and visitors here are free to protect themselves while using the Internet.

Slovakia

Slovakia is not a country that tries to control what people do online. They also allow VPN use.

Slovenia

It doesn’t seem that the state is censoring Internet websites, and they do not prohibit the use of a VPN.

Solomon Islands

This country is a good place to visit if you prize your Internet freedom. It is legal to use a VPN, and you can also access the Internet without fear of being watched by the state.

Somalia

Many news sites are blocked in Somalia, and the country is not known as a haven of free speech. Those who visit should plan to use a VPN to get reliable news. Using a VPN is legal.

South Africa

The Internet censorship bill that has been passed in South Africa has some individuals concerned, and rightfully so. The bill did not address VPN use, and VPNs are still legal.

South Korea

Not nearly as repressive as North Korea, this country does engage in some monitoring of Internet activity. A VPN will help you avoid this, and you can use one legally in South Korea.

South Sudan

VPNs are legal, but there are many sites that are blocked by the state.

Spain

Some anti-government websites are blocked, but VPNs are legal to use in Spain.

Sri Lanka

For the most part there is no Internet censorship in Sri Lanka, but some websites have been blocked in the past. It is wise to use a VPN here, and it is also legal.

Sudan

It is legal to use a VPN here, and you will need to if you want unrestricted Internet access. The country is not above censoring websites it finds troubling.

Suriname

There are no problems with VPN use here.

Swaziland /  Kingdom of Eswatini

Citizens and visitors alike are allowed to use the Internet without censorship, and VPNs are legal.

Sweden

This is the place to be if you want Internet freedom. There is no surveillance, censorship, or restriction on VPN use.

Switzerland

For many years this country has been considered to be a haven of privacy. This has changed some, with the state cracking down on cybercrime. It has also moved to create restrictive online gambling legislation. Still, it is legal to use a VPN and will probably remain so.

Syria

Human rights violation and attacks on personal freedom are nothing new here. It is legal to use a VPN at the present time, and probably a good idea if you are planning a visit.

Taiwan

The leadership of Taiwan has tried to pass a law which would blacklist certain websites, but that law failed. It is still legal now to use a VPN and browse the Internet with some measure of freedom.

Tajikistan

Government-controlled ISPs and other troubling signs point to increased Internet control, but at the present time it is still legal for anyone to use a VPN.

Tanzania

Sadly, Internet restriction here has been on the rise. VPNs are legal for now, but this could change.

Thailand

This country does not have a great track record when it comes to Internet freedom. Bloggers have been arrested and websites have been blocked. It is still okay to use a VPN at the time of this writing.

Timor-Leste

There is no law here against using a VPN.

Togo

No reports have been made of Internet censorship in Togo, and anyone that wishes to do so may use a VPN.

Tongo

The government has had the right to censor what can be accessed on the Internet since 2015, but it does not make VPN use illegal. Plan to use one if you visit for access to all your preferred websites.

Trinidad and Tobago

VPN use is legal here.

Tunisia

Tunisia is a country that is actively seeking to expand Internet freedom through progressive laws, and it has no issue with VPN use.

Turkey

Turkey does not allow access to VPN provider websites or the TOR browser. If you do not have a VPN secured before you arrive in the country it is unlikely that you will be able to get service. Those caught using a VPN to access blocked services like Facebook or Twitter can find themselves in serious trouble.

Turkmenistan

There is only one ISP in this small country, and it is controlled by the government. The state has effective control over all Internet access, and it bans the use of VPNs. Those who try to circumvent this ban can be forced to pay an extreme price.

Tuvalu

It is legal to use a VPN, and there are no known attacks on Internet freedom.

Uganda

There is heavy monitoring in Uganda, and political websites are often blocked inside the country. A VPN will unblock them, and there is no law against using one to do just that.

Ukraine

The country’s contentious relationship with Russia means that Internet access can be monitored. Always use a VPN if you are traveling here. It is legal to do so.

United Kingdom

VPNs are legal in the UK, but legislation has given the country wide-sweeping powers over Internet data gathering. You would be wise to use a VPN when visiting the UK, especially on unsecured public networks.

United Arab Emirates

Many would think that the UAE is among the more progressive nations in the Middle East. In many respects this is true, but when it comes to VPNs the government has mandated a $500,000 fine for any individual caught using a VPN for illegal activity. The definition of  “illegal activity” is left up to the state. The law only applies to individuals.

United States of America

Many revelations have been made in recent years about how the US spies on Internet activity to collect data. It is legal to use a VPN. Internet use in the US without a VPN is probably unwise. There are simply too many threats.

Uruguay

You’ll find no censorship here, and VPNs are also legal to use.

Uzbekistan

This country has actively blocked websites before, mostly in the VoIP category. You can regain access to Skype and WhatApp when you use a VPN. It is legal to do so.

Vanuatu

This country does not censor the Internet, and it allows the use of a VPN.

Vatican City

The home of the Catholic Church and the Pope is a place of Internet freedom. You can also use a VPN when you visit.

Venezuela

Social media websites may be blocked here. The only reliable way to unblock them is with a VPN.

Vietnam

A strict Internet Decree determines what can be done online. It mainly prohibits political discussions. VPNs are legal, but this could change at any time.

Yemen

Some political groups in Yemen have sought to make a complete ban on Internet use. This has failed so far, and VPN use is still legal here.

Zambia

Censorship is rampant here, and a VPN will be needed to regain access to social media networks. Thankfully, you can legally use a VPN in Zambia.

Zimbabwe

Internet censorship has grown here at an alarming rate. VPNs are legal, and there hasn’t been any determined effort to criminalize their use.