Using VPNs in Cambodia is entirely legal, though the government maintains significant control over internet access and online activities. While no Cambodian law explicitly prohibits VPN usage (1), the government has implemented measures to monitor and censor internet content, making VPNs an important tool for privacy-conscious users. Freedom House rates Cambodia's internet freedom as "Partly Free" with a score of 43 out of 100 (1).
The Cambodian government has attempted to centralize control through the National Internet Gateway initiative. In February 2021, Prime Minister Hun Sen signed a sub-decree establishing this gateway, which would route all internet traffic through a regulatory body. Human Rights Watch reported that this gateway would allow "blocking and disconnecting all network connections that affect safety, national revenue, social order, dignity, culture, tradition and customs" (2). However, implementation has been delayed and questions remain about technical feasibility.
"Prime Minister Hun Sen struck a dangerous blow against internet freedom and e-commerce in Cambodia by expanding the government's control over the country's internet."
Despite government surveillance concerns, VPNs remain a legal method for Cambodians to protect their online privacy and access restricted content. The country's internet landscape is characterized by fear and self-censorship, with authorities blocking independent news sites and arresting users for online activity (1). VPNs provide encryption and anonymity that help users navigate these restrictions while staying within legal boundaries, as long as the VPN is not used to commit illegal acts.
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/cambodia/freedom-net/2024
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/02/18/cambodia-internet-censorship-control-expanded
Last updated: 09-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
