The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is completely legal in Belgium, reflecting the country's commitment to a free and open internet. There are no government-imposed bans on the technology, and citizens are free to utilize encryption tools to secure their data and protect their online privacy. The regulatory framework supports digital rights, ensuring that individuals can access information without fear of state censorship or retribution for using privacy-enhancing software (1).
While the digital environment is open, the government focuses heavily on cybersecurity to protect critical infrastructure and national interests. Authorities have developed comprehensive strategies to mitigate cyber threats, emphasizing the need for a secure online space for both businesses and the general population. This approach balances the freedom of internet use with the necessity of defending against malicious actors and potential digital vulnerabilities within the country's borders (2).
"The goal of this updated National Cybersecurity Strategy is to safeguard the capabilities of services, goods, people and capital across borders. The aim of this strategy is to present a forward-looking vision of an open, free and secure cyberspace that responds to potential cyber threats Belgium faces or may face."
Users should remain aware that while VPNs are permitted, they do not grant immunity from Belgian laws regarding illegal online activities. The legal system prosecutes cybercrimes such as fraud, copyright infringement, and the distribution of prohibited material regardless of the tools used to commit them. Therefore, while the software itself is lawful, it must be used responsibly and in compliance with the broader legislative statutes governing the digital domain (1).
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/belgium/freedom-world/2024
https://ccdcoe.org/uploads/2018/10/Belgium_CCB_Strategy-2.0_2021_English.pdf
Last updated: 09-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
