Currently, there are no specific laws that explicitly ban the possession or use of VPNs in Nicaragua. Citizens and visitors generally have the legal right to install and utilize virtual private network software on their personal devices to secure their internet connection (1). However, the digital environment is becoming increasingly restricted as the government tightens control over telecommunications infrastructure. While the software itself remains legal, the context of its usage is closely scrutinized by authorities under broader laws designed to monitor online activity.
The legal landscape for internet users has deteriorated significantly with the enforcement of the Special Cybercrimes Law. This legislation allows the government to prosecute individuals for spreading what it defines as "false news," leading to a climate where digital privacy is both essential and risky (2). Authorities reportedly monitor private online communications without appropriate legal authority, targeting perceived critics. Consequently, many individuals rely on encryption tools to protect their identity, even though the act of masking one's IP address attracts government suspicion in such a politically charged environment.
"Internet freedom continued to decline in Nicaragua amid a broader crackdown on dissent that has been ongoing since the country's 2018 antigovernment protests, contributing to an overall score reduction. Opposition figures, dissenting voices, and independent journalists have been increasingly forced to self-censor or opt for anonymity when expressing themselves online."
Recent legislative moves, such as the introduction of the General Convergent Telecommunications Law, threaten to further centralize state control over the internet. International observers note that this law aims to expand regulatory powers, potentially leading to the blocking of specific websites and networks deemed contrary to government interests (1). In response to these looming threats, independent media organizations and activists have begun encouraging the public to adopt VPNs as a necessary measure to circumvent potential censorship and maintain access to diverse information sources.
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/nicaragua/freedom-net/2024
https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/nicaragua
Last updated: 14-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
