The legal landscape regarding VPNs in Syria is restrictive, although no specific law explicitly bans their possession. Instead, the government relies on broad cybercrime legislation to prosecute individuals who use these tools to access blocked content or disseminate information deemed harmful to the state. This creates a precarious environment where technical circumvention is effectively criminalized under vague provisions related to national unity and the prestige of the state (1).
Authorities actively enforce internet censorship by blocking protocols associated with VPNs to prevent citizens from bypassing state-imposed filters. Despite these technical measures, many users continue to rely on such tools to communicate securely and access restricted websites. The state maintains a monopoly over the telecommunications infrastructure, allowing it to implement extensive filtering and monitor traffic, often leading to disruptions in secure connections and the arrest of digital activists (2).
"Since the bans were proposed, people have used virtual private network (VPN) apps to guard against any restrictions. In areas controlled by the government, the Syrian Telecommunications Establishment (STE) serves as both an ISP and a telecommunications regulator."
The risks associated with **VPN** usage in the country are significant, as security forces frequently detain individuals for their online activities. Reports indicate that the government employs sophisticated surveillance technology to track encrypted traffic and identify users attempting to circumvent censorship. This environment fosters a culture of self-censorship, where the mere use of encryption software can be interpreted by security agencies as evidence of criminal intent or opposition to the regime (1).
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/syria/freedom-net/2020
https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/syria
Last updated: 15-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
