The government of Saudi Arabia maintains strict control over the internet, routinely blocking websites and content deemed harmful, illegal, or anti-Islamic. According to the U.S. Department of State, authorities engage in extensive censorship and surveillance, limiting access to diverse information. Criticism of the government or its policies is not tolerated, and regulations are enforced to prohibit material that violates local standards or threatens public order (1).
While the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is not explicitly criminalized in a blanket manner, access to these tools is heavily restricted. Reports indicate that the government actively blocks the websites of major VPN providers to prevent users from downloading software that could circumvent censorship filters. Despite these barriers, many internet users in the country continue to utilize VPNs to access blocked services and websites (2).
"Saudi internet users regularly use circumvention tools such as Hotspot Shield, which allow them to bypass censorship through virtual private networks (VPNs). However, the websites of Tor and other major VPN providers are blocked by the government."
The regulatory environment affects various digital services, with authorities previously blocking Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications like WhatsApp and FaceTime. The Freedom House report notes that the government exercises technical control over the internet infrastructure to restrict connectivity and monitor traffic. Consequently, while VPNs are used to restore access to these platforms, relying on such tools to bypass state-imposed restrictions carries potential legal risks (2).
Source:
https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/saudi-arabia/
https://freedomhouse.org/country/saudi-arabia/freedom-net/2024
Last updated: 15-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
