Is Using a VPN Legal in the UK? Everything You Need to Know

The Legal Status of VPNs in the United Kingdom

One of the most common questions we receive from UK readers is whether using a VPN is legal. The short answer is yes, using a VPN is completely legal in the United Kingdom. There is no law that prohibits the use of VPN software, and millions of British citizens and businesses use VPNs every day for entirely legitimate purposes. However, as with any tool, the legality depends on what you do with it. A kitchen knife is legal to own, but using it to threaten someone is not. The same principle applies to VPNs.

Why VPNs Are Legal in the UK

VPNs are legitimate technology tools used extensively in the business world. Virtually every corporation, government department, and university in the UK uses VPN technology to allow employees and students to securely access internal networks remotely. When the pandemic forced millions of British workers to work from home, VPNs became essential infrastructure for businesses across the country.

Consumer VPN services operate on exactly the same technology. They encrypt your internet connection and route it through a remote server, providing privacy and security. The UK government recognises the legitimate uses of VPNs and has made no moves to restrict or ban their use. In fact, the National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, actively recommends the use of VPNs when connecting to untrusted networks.

What You Can Legally Do With a VPN

There are numerous perfectly legal reasons to use a VPN in the UK:

• Protecting your privacy: Using a VPN to prevent your ISP from logging your browsing history is entirely legal. While your ISP is required to keep Internet Connection Records under the Investigatory Powers Act, you are under no obligation to make it easy for them.
• Securing public Wi-Fi connections: Using a VPN to encrypt your data on public networks is not only legal but actively encouraged by cybersecurity experts.
• Remote work: Connecting to your employer's network securely via VPN is standard business practice.
• Accessing content while travelling: Using a VPN to access your UK streaming subscriptions while abroad is a grey area in terms of service agreements but is not illegal under UK law.
• Avoiding price discrimination: Using a VPN to check prices from different countries is legal, though some companies may prohibit it in their terms of service.
• General browsing privacy: Simply wanting to keep your online activities private is a perfectly valid and legal reason to use a VPN.

What Remains Illegal Even With a VPN

A VPN does not make illegal activities legal. The following are illegal regardless of whether you use a VPN:

• Downloading copyrighted material: Torrenting pirated films, music, software, or other copyrighted content is illegal under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Using a VPN to hide this activity does not change its legal status.
• Cybercrime: Hacking, fraud, identity theft, and other cybercrimes remain criminal offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, regardless of whether a VPN is used.
• Purchasing illegal goods or services: Using a VPN to access dark web marketplaces for illegal purposes is a criminal offence.
• Harassment and threats: Using a VPN to anonymously harass, threaten, or stalk individuals is illegal under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

It is worth emphasising that a VPN does not provide complete anonymity from law enforcement. If you commit a serious crime, police can potentially obtain your VPN provider's records through international legal cooperation, and many VPN providers will comply with lawful court orders.

VPNs and Your Employer

If you use a work computer or work network, your employer may have policies regarding VPN usage. Many employers prohibit the use of personal VPNs on company devices because they can bypass corporate security monitoring and content filters. Using a personal VPN on a work device against company policy could result in disciplinary action, though it is not a criminal matter.

On your personal devices and personal internet connection, your employer has no say in whether you use a VPN. Your internet activity outside of work hours on your own equipment is your own business.

VPNs and Terms of Service

While using a VPN is not illegal, it may violate the terms of service of certain platforms. BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and other streaming services include clauses in their terms that prohibit the use of VPNs to circumvent geo-restrictions. However, violating terms of service is a civil matter, not a criminal one. The worst that can happen is that the platform blocks your access or, in extreme cases, terminates your account. No one in the UK has ever been prosecuted for using a VPN to access streaming content.

Countries Where VPNs Are Restricted

While VPNs are legal in the UK, UK travellers should be aware that some countries restrict or ban VPN use entirely. These include China, Russia, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Belarus, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. If you travel to these countries, research the local laws regarding VPN use before connecting. Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment in the most restrictive jurisdictions.

Our Advice

Use a VPN freely and confidently in the UK. It is a legal, legitimate, and increasingly necessary tool for protecting your privacy and security online. Just remember that a VPN is a privacy tool, not a licence to break the law. As long as you use it for lawful purposes, you have nothing to worry about.

Ready to get started with a VPN? Compare the top VPN providers using our free comparison tool, or take our quiz to find the perfect VPN for your needs. You can also browse our detailed reviews of providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark to make an informed decision.