In Turkey, the use of VPNs is not explicitly illegal for individuals, but the government actively restricts access to these services. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) enforces bans on specific VPN providers to prevent citizens from bypassing internet censorship. While no law universally criminalizes the possession of VPN software, the state frequently mandates that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) block connections to popular VPN servers to maintain control over the digital environment (1).
Authorities have intensified efforts to block tools that facilitate anonymous browsing, citing national security and public order concerns. Recent reports highlight that numerous VPN services were blocked without court orders, narrowing the online media landscape. The government’s technical infrastructure allows for the centralized filtering of internet traffic, which enables the swift disruption of VPN connections used to access restricted news outlets and social media platforms during times of political unrest (2).
"The government at times blocked access to cloud-based services and permanently blocked access to many virtual private networks. There was credible evidence the government monitored private online communications. The law provided for government authorities to access internet users' records to protect national security, public order, health, and decency."
Navigating the digital space in Turkey requires awareness of the surveillance capabilities embedded in the legal framework. Although users are rarely prosecuted solely for using a VPN, accessing prohibited content can lead to legal scrutiny under broader internet laws. The centralization of infrastructure under government bodies ensures that circumventing these blocks remains difficult, as authorities continue to monitor traffic and demand compliance from service providers to uphold internet restrictions (1).
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-net/2024
https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/turkey
Last updated: 15-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
