The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is currently legal in the Republic of Moldova. There are no specific laws or regulations that prohibit individuals or businesses from utilizing VPN software to secure their internet connection or protect their digital privacy. The country generally maintains an open approach to internet access, allowing users to employ encryption tools without fear of legal repercussions (1). Consequently, citizens and travelers can freely download and use these services.
Despite the general legality of VPNs, the Moldovan government has implemented certain restrictions on online content, particularly in the context of national security. Authorities have the power to block access to specific websites that disseminate disinformation or incite violence, a measure often reinforced during states of emergency (2). While these blocks restrict direct access to certain URLs, the act of bypassing them via a VPN is not explicitly criminalized in the country's primary legislation, though illicit activities remain illegal.
"Under the ongoing state of emergency, the government blocked access to online content deemed threatening to state security, including websites that justified Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine or called for civil disobedience."
The legal framework, including the Law on Electronic Communications, primarily regulates service providers rather than end-users. Freedom House reports indicate that freedoms of speech and assembly are mostly protected, contributing to an environment where the internet is relatively free compared to some neighbors (1). However, users should be aware that while the technology is legal, the government actively monitors for threats to state security. Thus, using a VPN does not grant immunity for illegal acts committed online.
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/moldova/freedom-world/2024
https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/moldova/
Last updated: 14-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
