Guide
Is using a VPN legal?
Yes, in most countries. Using a VPN is legal in the United States, the UK, the EU and most of the world. A few countries ban VPNs or only allow approved services, and anything illegal stays illegal when you use a VPN. Check local rules before you travel.
Where VPNs are legal
Using a VPN is legal in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia and most other countries. Businesses use VPNs every day to connect staff to company networks, and many people use them for privacy on public Wi‑Fi.
Where VPNs are banned or restricted
A small number of countries ban VPNs or allow only government-approved services. Commonly reported examples include:
- Banned: North Korea, Belarus and Iraq.
- Only approved or registered services: China and Iran.
- Restricted in other ways: countries such as Russia block many VPN services, and in some countries using a VPN to commit a crime carries extra penalties.
Laws change. This guide isn't legal advice. Before you travel, check the current rules with an official source for the country you're visiting.
Legal tool, legal use
Even where VPNs are legal, what you do through one must be legal too. A VPN doesn't make illegal downloads or fraud legal. Breaking a website's terms of service isn't usually a crime, but it can get your account closed.
Privalune's terms
Privalune is for protecting your connection and privacy. Our terms of service set out what's not allowed on our network.