VPNs are completely legal to use in Zambia, with no specific laws prohibiting their usage for legitimate purposes such as enhancing online privacy and security (1). There are no restrictions on VPN services, and citizens can freely use them to protect their data and access geo-restricted content. However, online censorship has been an issue in the country, particularly during politically sensitive periods including the August 2021 general elections when authorities blocked social media platforms (2).
According to Freedom House's Freedom on the Net 2024 report, Zambia is rated as "Partly Free" with a score of 62 out of 100 (2). Internet freedom in Zambia improved during the coverage period, though authorities continue to arrest and imprison internet users who criticize the president online, contributing to an enduring environment of self-censorship. Despite the decriminalization of defamation of the president in 2022, restrictive laws that narrow political space and online speech remain in force (2).
"Internet freedom in Zambia improved during the coverage period, though authorities continue to arrest and imprison internet users who criticize the president online, contributing to an enduring environment of self-censorship."
While VPNs are legal tools for privacy protection and bypassing geo-restrictions, users should be aware of the political environment and ensure they comply with local laws when using VPN services. VPNs can be particularly useful for protecting personal data on public WiFi networks and for accessing international streaming services. Just ensure you are not using VPNs to engage in illegal activities under Zambian law, as the legal status of VPNs does not exempt users from following other applicable laws (1).
Source:
https://www.comparitech.com/vpn/where-are-vpns-legal-banned/
https://freedomhouse.org/country/zambia/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.
