Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is fully legal in Malta. As a member of the European Union, the country adheres to strict EU regulations that protect the rights of internet users to access information freely. The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) serves as the national regulatory body responsible for enforcing these digital rights (1). Consequently, there are no government-imposed bans or restrictions on the use of VPN technology for privacy, security, or accessing remote networks within the nation.
The legal framework supporting VPN usage is grounded in the Open Internet rules, specifically Regulation (EU) 2015/2120. This regulation mandates that internet service providers must treat all traffic equally without discrimination, blocking, or throttling. Residents and visitors in Malta have the explicit right to use applications and services of their choice, including VPNs, to secure their connections (1). This ensures that the digital environment remains open and accessible to all users without interference from service providers.
"Net neutrality, also known as the 'Open internet', is the principle of ensuring that you control what to access and publish on the internet, without any restrictions. This means that an ISP must treat all traffic flowing over its network equally, irrespective of the content."
While the technology itself is lawful, using a VPN to engage in criminal conduct remains illegal under Maltese law. Authorities maintain the power to investigate illicit activities regardless of the digital tools involved. However, for legitimate purposes like data encryption, the environment is favorable. Freedom House rates Malta as "Free" in its global assessment, reflecting a society where individuals can generally express views and access international services without fear of state surveillance or retribution (2).
Source:
https://www.mca.org.mt/internet/netneutrality
https://freedomhouse.org/country/malta/freedom-world/2024
Last updated: 14-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
