VPN Fine in UAE-In the UAE and Gulf region, virtual private networks (VPNs) are increasingly used for accessing restricted content such as adult websites, gambling websites, and dating websites.
A Nord Security report indicates that in the first quarter of this year, demand for VPNs in Gulf regions increased by approximately 30 percent compared to the same period a year earlier. As more internet users tap banned content, demand for VPNs in the UAE increased by 36 percent.
According to Nord Security, as content restrictions increase, so does the demand for VPN services in the Gulf region. “People all over the world use VPNs to access blocked content,” the company said.
VPN Fine in UAE-The report said residents of the Gulf use VPN applications to make audio-video calls through WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, Discord, IMO, and dating apps.
In terms of content, VPNs are also used to access restricted content such as dating, gambling, pornography, drugs, and VoIP websites among others, said Nord Security.
Is it illegal to use VPN in UAE?A VPN is not illegal in the UAE if it is used in accordance with the guidelines of the UAE government and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), according to Ashish Mehta, managing partner, Ashish Mehta & Associates.
VPNs used for illegal purposes or for criminal activity are punishable under UAE Decree Law No (34) of 2021 concerning the prevention and combating of rumours and cybercrimes.
VPNs are also illegal if you use them to hide your IP address in order to access websites/calling applications/games that are not allowed in the UAE.
Mehta said VPN misuse could result in imprisonment and fines between Dh500,000 and Dh2 million under Article 10 of the UAE Cyber Law.
Companies, institutions, and banks may use VPNs for internal purposes, according to a statement from the TDRA on August 1, 2016.