We know VPN (Virtual Private Network) has gained popularity in recent times. In the aftermath of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, we observed a large spike in the number of subscribers of this service. However, the fact remains that a VPN is one of the ideal tools for online security and privacy. Not only does it allow access to the internet from a remote server, keeping your online prowling private, but also ensures that your data remains secure from the scrutiny of interested parties. Sadly, VPN is illegal in some countries, but is that the case with the UAE (the United Arab Emirates)?
You’d be surprised by the fact some users opt to use this service not for their online safety, but for its supposedly additional features of bypassing geo-blocking. For the residents of the UAE who are worried about their VPN activities, we will try to answer this today.
Is VPN illegal to use in the UAE?
Firstly, strictly speaking, no, VPNs are not deemed illegal in the UAE. This comes with an asterisk atop “illegal.” Individuals are free to use VPNs as long as they follow government guidelines, which come with heavy restrictions. You are free to engage in a VPN as long as you do not do something illegal. However, if you do so and get caught, you will find yourself facing additional punishment for VPN use. It means other than persecuting your criminal activity, you will be face charges for using a VPN to do so.
Other than that, it is perfectly acceptable to use a VPN in the UAE. You can use it for any number of reasons we detailed separately. At times, you may also find a VPN to be your best bet for certain online activities. However, remember that your definition of illegal and that of the government may vary. What the government finds illegal may not be what you think it is. Nonetheless, you will have to follow the defined guidelines if you want to use the VPN legally.
Lastly, the UAE government targets internet services like VoIP and live streaming apps. This isn’t malicious from their point of view, it merely aims to filter sensitive content within their borders. Thus, as long as you don’t plan on accessing these services or content, you are safe using a VPN for almost any purpose.
Note — Using a VPN for anything illegal no longer makes it legal. Therefore, If you do something illegal with a VPN, you will be charged accordingly. We neither promote the use of VPNs against government regulations, nor do we condone their illegal use. If you are in the United Arab Emirates, we propose using your best judgment while employing a VPN.
Consequences of using a VPN in the country
According to Article 1 of the Amended UAE Cyber Law, utilizing a “fraudulent computer network protocol address by using a false address or a third-party address by any other means for the purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery” is punishable with imprisonment and or a fine of Dh (Dirham) 500,000 to Dh 2 million.
How to use a VPN legally in the UAE?
You can use a VPN legally in the United Arab Emirates without formalities such as obtaining authorization or using certified vendors. Instead, as long as you adhere to the basic principles and guidelines the authorities provide, your VPN purview will be smooth. We have established how the misuse of VPNs is a severe offense and punishable with a fine and even imprisonment. Moreover, using it to circumvent websites blocked by the UAE government is a total no-no.
That being the case, it is adequate to use a VPN as long as it is:
- Not for criminal purposes.
- Not to gather people for any illegal activity/protests.
- For private use within guidelines.
- Not to spread hate.
- Not utilized to commit fraud.
- Barred from access to pornography.
- Not utilized to aid and abet a crime or prevent criminal discovery.
- Not promoting anti-state activities.
- Prevented from spreading anti-religious content.
Where is a VPN illegal to use?
| Country | The legality of VPN usage | Longer explanation |
|---|---|---|
| China | It is legal, but with a heavily-restricted usage. However, unauthorized VPNs in China are illegal to use. | Amidst government censorship and international business purview, China has found a middle ground to employ VPNs. As long as the government sanctions it, people can use a VPN with ease. |
| North Korea | Illegal to use. | North Korea restricts internet access to individuals. As such, the use of VPN is deemed illegal. |
| Iraq | Illegal without qualms. | Due to various factors, there is a blanket ban on VPNs in Iraq. |
| Belarus | It is illegal to use a VPN here. | The country bans the use of VPN due to past election frauds, among other reasons. |
| UAE | Legal, but it has restrictions. | As long as you do not attempt to access certain content, you can use VPNs without worries. |
| Turkey | It is legal to use but comes with restrictions as the government wants to curb the influence of social networking sites. | You can use it legally but you can’t access social networking sites among other restricted content. |
| Egypt | Similar to the UAE, it is restricted but not illegal. | Same as the UAE, as long as you comply with the government ordinance, you can use a VPN without problems. |
| Russia | Illegal. | It is unlawful to some extent. The rules keep on changing, and nothing is certain. We should assume it to be illegal to be on the safer side. |
| Oman | It is partially legal for government workers and enterprises with authorization. But it is restricted for individual use. | Individuals can’t use VPNs. However, corporate or government officials can use it with proper authentication. |