In some countries that could be classified as “extremists”, the use of VPNs is illegal. Their government has gone so far as to create agencies whose main mission is to monitor the online activities of citizens.

Thus, breaking the applicable law is punishable by imprisonment and a fine in those countries where VPNs are illegal. The institutions that fight for freedom of expression have been unable to cope with these repressions.

To cite just a few examples, Iraq and Russia are among those which prohibit the use of a Virtual Private Network. Freedom of the press is non-existent in these countries, as all information is scrutinized before publication.

Fortunately, VPNs are still legal in most countries, such as France for example. In any case, they should always be in theory. If such an application is used to circumvent the Hadopi, for example, the Internet user violates the law in force and risks heavy penalties.

Should VPN use be legal?

The answer is YES, without hesitation! Indeed, software developed by providers such as ExpressVPN or CyberGhost make it possible to browse the Web in a completely secure manner. These days, millions of hackers try to hack personal and business accounts.

Their objective is to steal confidential data in order to monetize it. And there is no shortage of ideas for making money by indulging in this immoral practice, especially if you are attempting to stream a movie. Identity theft, use of bank codes or blackmail, anything goes.

It is to allow users to be perfectly safe from all these dangers that a download vpn for windows 10 must be legal. With these apps, you can hide your IP address and block malware. Thus, your personal data as well as your IT system will be optimally protected.

Of course, there will always be clever people who will try to take advantage of this to use the Internet surreptitiously. Who has never used this software to access geo-restricted content from YouTube, the US Netflix catalog, or to download torrents? Let him throw the first stone on them!

According to statistics, 4 out of 10 users use it to perform these operations normally prohibited by Hadopi. If this is the case, using a VPN is illegal from a purely legal point of view. But that shouldn’t stop you from using a VPN in France, far from it … especially if you opt for a quality provider like ExpressVPN.

Let us now see the position of each country concerning the use of Virtual Private Networks.

Countries where VPN is illegal

Marshall Islands

This archipelago lost in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean is not only known for its paradisiacal landscape. He is also appreciated for his government’s respect for freedom of expression and the press. Internet users can browse the web without any limits, and VPNs are legal there.

Solomon Islands

The Internet can be used without any restrictions in Solomon Islands and the same is true for Virtual Private Networks.

India

The use of VPNs is legal in this country. However, it is not uncommon for internet users to face internet restrictions imposed by the Indian government. The latter even goes so far as to ask ISPs to switch to offline mode. During periods of demonstrations, power cuts are frequent.

Indonesia

Although Internet users can use Virtual Private Networks freely, a policy of Internet censorship is adopted by the government. Some platforms are blocked, like Netflix, Vimeo and Reddit, among others.

Iceland

If you are staying in this Nordic island country renowned for its exceptional landscapes, know that Internet use has never been censored there. In addition, the VPN is completely legal there.

Ireland

The Irish government has yet to issue any ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks. However, Internet use is subject to certain censorship. So be vigilant!

Israel

The use of Virtual Private Networks is authorized by the Israeli government. For some time now, Internet restrictions have been imposed in order to combat cybercrime. Thus, certain platforms as well as hateful or inciting messages have been blocked.

Italy

The internet can be used without any restrictions, and VPNs are legal in the land of quintessential romance.

Jamaica

If you are staying on the island of Jamaica, you can browse the web freely and without limits. Know that you can use Virtual Private Networks in complete freedom.

Japan

To date, the use of the Internet and Virtual Private Network has not been subject to any limitation. However, the situation could change as the Japanese government appears to be in favor of monitoring the online activities of its citizens. Case to be followed very closely!

Jordan

VPNs are legal in Jordan, but some websites are censored. The blocking criteria are mainly based on political considerations. However, according to the results of studies carried out by specialized institutions, they also concern the community of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people.

Kazakhstan

The use of VPNs is legal in this country. However, an Internet restriction policy has been adopted by his government. It is mainly social networks that are in his sights.

Kenya

No restrictions on the use of the Internet or Virtual Private Networks have been imposed by the Kenyan government.

Kyrgyzstan

Internet use is subject to government censorship. The population is worried about press freedom, knowing that political content is blocked. Despite this, Kyrgyz people can browse the web freely through a Virtual Private Network.

Kiribati

This country is known for the great freedom that its government grants to Internet users. No internet censorship has been observed yet and VPNs are legal there.

Barbados

If you are passing through Barbados, in the Caribbean, know that the use of VPNs is completely legal there. No Internet restrictions have been recorded to date.

Bahamas

Despite his government’s attempted Internet censorship, Internet users can still browse freely without any restrictions at this time. In addition, no law prohibits Internet users from using a Virtual Private Network.

The Maldives

Users are subject to censorship in this country. Blockages of websites posting anti-Islamic and anti-government content have been recorded. Despite this, VPNs are legal there.

Lesotho

Only a small portion of Lesotho citizens have access to the Internet. Internet users can access the Internet and use a Virtual Private Network without government restrictions.

Latvia

Latvian residents enjoy great freedom in the use of the Internet and Virtual Private Networks.

Lebanon

The Lebanese government imposes restrictions on Internet users. There was a time when he tried to ban the use of VoIP, but this bill was quickly dropped following the protests. However, the use of VPNs is still legal there to this day.

Liechtenstein

The Internet can be used without any restrictions in the small German-speaking principality. The use of VPNs is legal there.

Lithuania

Although the internet can be used unlimitedly, the Lithuanian government has strict regulations in place. Some platforms have been censored, such as online gambling sites.

Luxembourg

If you are passing through this country, know that you do not have to worry about the censorship in terms of Internet use or Virtual Private Networks.

Libya

VPNs are legal in this country. However, according to some reports, Internet use is subject to government restriction. So you would do well to equip yourself accordingly.

Macedonia

The government does not impose any restrictions. Residents can access the Internet without any limits and use a Virtual Private Network as they wish.

Madagascar

No censorship in terms of Internet and VPN use from the Malagasy government has yet been observed.

Malawi

Internet users enjoy unlimited Internet access in this country. The use of VPNs is completely legal there.

Mali

There are no restrictions on general internet use in Mali. The same is true for Virtual Private Networks.

Malta

According to reports, the Maltese government is planning to pass new laws to restrict press freedom. The latter continues to deny it to this day. In addition, this country is notorious for subjecting Internet users to censorship. However, VPNs are legal in this country.

Morocco

Internet use is subject to government restrictions in this country. Online communication applications are blocked, like Skype and Facebook Messenger.

Mauritius

The use of VPNs is legal there. To date, the Mauritian government has not yet issued any restrictions on internet use. However, the legislation on sites with harmful content has been tightened.

Insults published on social networks, as well as comments on these posts, or even clicks on “like”, are punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Mauritania

This country is notorious for the Internet censorship adopted by its government before. Online activities were monitored. However, the use of VPNs is still legal there, but the situation should be watched closely.

Mexico

The government had tried in the past to pass laws to monitor the online activities of Internet users. The latest news is that people can still enjoy unlimited internet usage and VPNs are legal there.

Micronesia

Micronesian citizens enjoy exemplary freedom regarding the general use of the Internet and Virtual Private Networks.

Moldova

The use of VPNs is legal in Moldova and that of the Internet is unlimited. However, there are rumors that the government could impose censorship in the next few years.

Monaco

To date, the Monegasque government has not yet imposed any restrictions on the use of the Internet or Virtual Private Networks.

Mongolia

Mongolian citizens face some internet censorship. A list of terms to be banned has been drawn up. Despite this, the use of a Virtual Private Network is not prohibited in this country.

Montenegro

This country is known for the Internet restrictions that are applied there. Certain platforms as well as applications such as WhatsApp are often blocked, especially during election periods. However, using VPNs is completely legal.

Mozambique

The government of this country is known to spy on the online activities and phone calls of its citizens. For the moment, they can still use Virtual Private Network freely. This is the only way for Internet users to protect themselves from prying eyes.

Myanmar

VPNs are legal in this country. While the Burmese government had imposed internet restrictions before, it seems less repressive now. Note that the abolition of media censorship was officially announced in 2012.

Namibia

The use of Virtual Private Networks or the Internet is not subject to any restriction in this country.

Nauru

The Internet censorship policy applied by the Nauruan government has come under heavy criticism. Social networks are among the platforms that have been aggressively blocked. However, the use of VPNs is legal in this island state of Oceania.

New Zealand

New Zealand citizens have the right to legally use Virtual Private Networks. However, it is good to note that the government is monitoring their online activities.

Nicaragua

Nicaraguans don’t have to worry about restrictions on internet use. That of VPNs is legal in this country.

Niger

The Nigerien government does not impose any internet restrictions. Note that only a minority of the population has access to it. Internet users can safely surf the Web, as the use of Virtual Private Networks is permitted in this country.

Nigeria

While the use of VPNs is legal in this country, the Nigerian government has implemented an internet censorship system. The restrictions mainly concern social media.

Norway

Norwegian citizens have access to an uncensored Internet and can legally use Virtual Private Networks.

Uganda

The government adopts an Internet censorship policy. Social networks are blocked, especially during an election period. However, VPNs are legal in Uganda.

Pakistan

The use of Virtual Private Networks is authorized in this country. However, the Pakistani government is renowned for its drastic Internet censorship policy. Besides social networks like Facebook, popular platforms like Wikipedia are also blocked.

Palau

Palauan citizens have access to unlimited internet. They can use the Virtual Private Network without restriction.

Palestine

VPNs are legal in this country. In contrast, the Palestinian government does not hesitate to censor or even shut down websites whose political beliefs go against their vision.

Panama

The government has not yet issued any laws restricting Internet access or the use of Virtual Private Network.

Papua New Guinea

In this independent country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, VPNs are legal. However, the government has hinted that an internet censorship bill is being considered to tackle cybercrime.

Paraguay

Paraguayans enjoy great freedom in the general use of the Internet and Virtual Private Networks.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is best known for the flexibility of Internet law. Access is uncensored. Dutch residents can browse the web with confidence, as using VPNs is completely legal there.

Peru

Peruvian citizens can have unlimited Internet access and use the Virtual Private Network without restriction.

Philippines

The Internet can be used without any restrictions in the Philippines. The same is true for VPNs, which are completely legal there.

Portugal

The Portuguese can access the Internet without any government restrictions and this is also the case for Virtual Private Networks.

Qatar

Although the use of VPNs is legal in Qatar, Internet users are subject to government censorship. Websites with obscene content are particularly targeted.

Central African Republic

This country is famous for the restrictions applied by its government. Online activity is closely monitored during election periods or political unrest. The same goes for certain websites that the regime does not hesitate to censor. However, Internet users can freely use Virtual Private Networks.

Romania

Until today, no law on Internet censorship has been enacted. However, the Romanian government has implemented a political strategy to ban websites specializing in online games. Which could be a game-changer. However, the use of VPNs is completely legal there.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

No law relating to any restriction on the use of the Internet and Virtual Private Networks has yet been decreed.

St. Lucia

Internet can be used without any restrictions in this country and Virtual Private Networks are allowed.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

While VPNs are completely legal in this Lesser Antilles state, the government recently passed an internet censorship bill. Internet users accused of online defamation face a sentence of up to 2 years in prison.

Samoa

The use of VPNs is legal on this archipelago located in Oceania, and that of the Internet is unlimited.

San Marino

Internet and Virtual Private Networks can be used there without any restriction.

Sao Tome and Principe

The Santo mean government does not impose any restrictions on the use of the Internet and Virtual Private Networks.

Seychelles

The Seychelles government does not ban the use of VPNs. However, Internet access can sometimes be restricted and any act of defamation is penalized according to the law in force.

Sierra Leone

VPNs are completely legal in this West African country, and internet access is unrestricted.

Sent Maarten

Like the Netherlands, this tiny country located on the southern part of an island in the West Indies benefits from flexible legislation regarding Internet use. Residents can browse the web with peace of mind and unlimited, while VPNs are legal.

Slovakia

Slovak citizens have access to an uncensored Internet. They can use Virtual Private Networks without restriction.

Slovenia

The use of the Internet is unlimited and the use of Virtual Private Networks is not prohibited by the Slovenian government.

Somalia

Using VPNs is legal in Somalia. If this country is known for Internet censorship, no law relating to this type of restriction has yet been enacted. Therefore, the Somali government is free to act as it sees fit.

Sri Lanka

There was a time when the internet was restricted by the Sri Lankan government, resulting in some websites being blocked. Nowadays, it is showing more flexibility. The use of VPNs is legal there.

Swiss

If Internet users have the right to use Virtual Private Networks freely, Internet restrictions have become more and more pressing in recent years. Online activities are closely monitored. The government is also planning to censor internet gambling sites.

Suriname

This country is known for the absence of censorship in terms of Internet and Virtual Private Network.

Swaziland

Swazi citizens have unlimited Internet access. VPNs are legal there.

Sweden

Swedish Internet users can surf the Web without any limits and can legally use Virtual Private Networks.

Taiwan

At the moment, the Internet is not subject to any censorship. However, steps were taken to allow his government to impose restrictions. In addition, they sites allowing P2P file sharing could be blocked soon, because a bill is being studied.

However, Taiwanese residents can easily bypass geo-restriction related blocks as the use of VPNs is legal.

Timor-Leste

No restrictions on Internet and VPN use have been recorded to date.

Togo

Togolese Internet users can browse the Web freely. The use of VPNs is legal in this country.

Tonga

Tongans have the right to use Virtual Private Networks freely. However, laws have been passed to allow the government to block websites with content deemed immoral.

Trinidad and Tobago

The government has not yet issued any censorship regarding the use of the Internet and Virtual Private Networks.

Tuvalu

The citizens of this country enjoy great freedom in the general use of the Internet. VPNs are legal there.

Ukraine

Internet is subject to restrictions in this country. Indeed, the government has decided to block popular Russian sites. However, Ukrainian Internet users can use a Virtual Private Network without any problem.

Uruguay

Uruguayan citizens have no need to worry about the use of Virtual Private Networks and Internet censorship.

Vanuatu

Internet users can access the Internet without any government restrictions and the use of VPNs is legal.

Vatican

This city-state in the heart of Rome is known for the absence of internet censorship. Users can freely use a Virtual Private Network.

Venezuela

For the moment, no law prohibiting the use of a Virtual Private Network has yet been promulgated. However, many social media platforms have been blocked, like Facebook and WhatsApp.

Zambia

This country is known for its strict law regarding the use of the Internet. Indeed, politically motivated platforms are censored there. The same is true for websites with content deemed illegal.

Zimbabwe

While VPNs are legal in this country, the internet censorship policy adopted by its government is at the heart of the news.