Question: What are the rules regarding the use of VPNs (virtual private networks) in the UAE? Are they legal, and is there a specific list of VPNs that can be used?
Answer: In the UAE, VPN usage is not outright illegal if it complies with the guidelines set by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). On July 31, 2016, the TDRA reassured businesses and the public that VPN technology is allowed for companies, institutions, and banks to access their internal networks via the internet. No regulations prevent the use of VPNs in such cases. However, users may be held accountable if the technology is misused.
Using a VPN to commit illegal activities, disguise one’s IP address, or bypass blocked content is a serious offence. According to Article 10 of Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes, individuals who fraudulently use a computer network protocol address (such as using another person’s IP address) to commit or conceal a crime can face imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh2,000,000.
Furthermore, Clause 1.9 of the TDRA Regulatory Policy on Internet Access Management (2017) defines “Prohibited Content Categories,” which include content that allows users to bypass restrictions, such as VPNs that enable access to blocked content. VPN services used to access prohibited content are regulated and considered illegal.
In summary, while VPNs are not banned in the UAE, they must not be used to access or bypass blocked or prohibited content. There is no specific list of approved VPNs. For more details, it is recommended to consult a legal expert or the TDRA.
