Ethiopia does not have a specific law explicitly criminalizing the simple possession of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). However, the digital landscape is heavily controlled by the state, which maintains a monopoly on telecommunications through Ethio Telecom. While using a VPN is technically feasible and widely practiced to access blocked content, the government creates a hostile environment for internet freedom by regularly implementing network disruptions and filtering content without judicial oversight (1).
Authorities frequently resort to internet shutdowns and social media blackouts during times of political unrest, communal violence, or national exams. Platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and TikTok are often rendered inaccessible for extended periods to control the narrative and suppress dissent. Consequently, citizens turn to VPNs as essential tools for communication, though the government has previously deployed technology to detect and block VPN traffic itself, making consistent access difficult (2).
"Internet freedom remained sharply under threat in Ethiopia, as authorities imposed a state of emergency in response to escalating conflicts between the federal government and rebel militias in Amhara Region, restricting mobile internet service in conflict-affected areas."
Beyond censorship, surveillance remains a significant concern for users in the country. The lack of robust data protection laws allows security agencies to monitor telecommunications with little transparency. While ordinary users are rarely prosecuted solely for VPN use, the correlation between bypassing censorship and political activism means that individuals using encryption tools to share critical information face heightened risks of interrogation and arbitrary detention (1).
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/ethiopia/freedom-net/2024
https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ethiopia/
Last updated: 11-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
