The legal framework regarding internet usage in Laos is characterized by strict government control and surveillance, although there is no specific law that explicitly outlaws Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Instead, the government utilizes the 2014 Decree on Internet-Based Information Control to manage online activities and restrict content deemed threatening to national stability (1). This decree mandates that internet service providers facilitate monitoring, creating an environment where digital privacy is compromised. Consequently, the legality of using privacy tools remains ambiguous under these broad regulations.
International human rights organizations classify the internet environment in Laos as highly restrictive, with no independent media and severe limitations on free speech. The state apparatus actively monitors social media platforms for dissent, and individuals have been detained for posting critical comments online. This repressive atmosphere implies that while VPN technology itself might not be illegal, using it to bypass censorship or access prohibited information is a punishable offense (2).
"Laos is a one-party state in which the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) dominates all aspects of politics and harshly restricts civil liberties. There is no organized opposition, independent civil society, or independent media sector."
Visitors and residents should remain aware that the government prioritizes regime security over individual digital rights. The lack of judicial oversight means that authorities can interpret "national interest" broadly to target anyone evading digital surveillance. While technical barriers to VPNs are not always present, the legal risks associated with their use for circumventing government controls are significant (1). Users are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating the digital landscape in Laos (2).
Source:
https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/laos/
https://freedomhouse.org/country/laos/freedom-world/2025
Last updated: 11-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
