The digital landscape in Libya has become increasingly restrictive following years of political instability. While access to the internet is growing, the government actively monitors online activities and controls the telecommunications infrastructure. Recent legislative measures have been introduced to regulate the digital space, impacting how individuals can access information securely. These developments have raised concerns among international observers regarding the status of internet freedom in the country (1).
A primary concern for privacy advocates is the Anti-Cybercrime Law ratified in 2022. This legislation imposes strict regulations on digital tools and explicitly criminalizes the use of encryption technologies without prior approval from state authorities. Since Virtual Private Networks function by encrypting user data, their unauthorized usage is technically prohibited under this law. This creates a legal gray area where personal cybersecurity measures are treated as potential criminal offenses (1).
"Among other provisions, the law gives authorities the ability to block websites and monitor online users; it also criminalizes the use of encryption tools and penalizes certain types of online speech."
Enforcement of these regulations can result in severe repercussions for users found in violation. The law allows for substantial fines and prison sentences for those who use technology to disrupt public order or bypass censorship. Human rights reports indicate that authorities have used these broad legal definitions to target activists and silence dissent. Consequently, while VPNs remain technically accessible, their use carries significant legal liability for citizens and visitors alike (2).
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/libya/freedom-net/2022
https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/libya
Last updated: 14-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
