Access to the internet in Turkmenistan is heavily restricted by the state, which controls the single gateway for all online traffic. While the government does not explicitly publish a law outlawing all technology, the use of uncertified encryption tools is effectively banned. Most popular Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are blocked by the Ministry of National Security to prevent citizens from accessing independent information. Consequently, utilizing these tools to bypass censorship is considered a violation of state regulations (1).
The legal environment for digital privacy is hostile, with authorities actively monitoring internet usage to identify circumvention efforts. Citizens caught using VPNs to access blocked social media or news websites face severe repercussions. Reports indicate that security services frequently summon individuals for interrogation regarding their online activities. This intimidation often includes threats of imprisonment or heavy fines for those who attempt to hide their digital footprint from the government (2).
"Authorities blocked access to websites and social media applications they considered sensitive, including YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as virtual private network (VPN) connections. There were reports the security services summoned some VPN users to discuss their online activities."
Despite the technical availability of some tools, the state’s approach renders the use of VPNs dangerous for the average user. The government requires any permitted encryption services to be registered and certified, which defeats the privacy purpose of the technology. International organizations continue to document these violations, noting that the blocking of VPNs is part of a broader strategy to isolate citizens from the global internet and suppress freedom of expression (1).
Source:
https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/turkmenistan
https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/eastern-europe-and-central-asia/turkmenistan/report-turkmenistan/
Last updated: 15-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
