The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is completely legal in the United States. Unlike some countries that restrict or ban these privacy tools, the U.S. government does not impose restrictions on internet connectivity or block the use of encryption software (1). Citizens and businesses are free to utilize VPNs to secure their data and protect their online privacy. The legal framework in the country supports the right to encryption as part of broader internet freedoms and free expression.
While the technology itself is lawful, using a VPN to commit crimes remains illegal. Activities such as copyright infringement, hacking, or accessing illegal content are punishable by law regardless of whether a VPN is used to hide one's identity. However, for legitimate purposes, federal agencies actively recommend the use of VPNs. For instance, businesses are advised to use them to secure remote connections and protect sensitive information from interception on public networks (2).
"Your employees can get a personal VPN account from a VPN service provider, or you may want to hire a vendor to create an enterprise VPN for all employees to use."
Organizations and individuals are encouraged to adopt VPNs as a cybersecurity best practice. The focus of U.S. regulations is on maintaining secure infrastructure rather than restricting access to privacy tools. By encrypting traffic between computers and the internet, VPNs serve as a critical layer of defense against cyber threats. Consequently, they are a staple in the security protocols recommended by major government bodies for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality.
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/united-states/freedom-net/2024
https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/small-businesses/cybersecurity/securing-remote-access-to-your-network
Last updated: 15-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
