VPNs are widely used all over the world by users to access geo-restricted content, protect their privacy, hide their IPs from prying eyes, and for various other purposes. Among these VPN services, NordVPN is the top VPN provider and it is well-known for providing fast and secure VPN services anywhere in the world. But unfortunately, not all countries appreciate the use of VPNs.

NordVPN no-logs policy which means it does not collect any of its users’ data and that means it will also not be able to provide your online activity data in any legal matter. Moreover, it hides your IP from others, so it will not be easier for the government to track your online activity. So, different countries have different policies for using VPN services. In this article, I will explain NordVPN legal compliance with International Laws.  

Download NordVPN anywhere in the World

a hand pointing at a computer screen showing Download NordVPN anywhere in the World

While many countries have banned or restricted the use of VPNs, there are still many regions where you can openly use VPN services. Various countries including Canada, the US and most of the European countries have legalized the use of VPNs. You can easily download NordVPN through their website and subscribe to their services from various sources such as the NordVPN website, Apple Store, Amazon Store, Google Play Store or from your local retailer and resellers.

Only Security and Much More

You can subscribe to NordVPN to protect your online activity from hackers. hide your IP from intruders, and access Geo-restricted content. Besides online security, NordVPN has various other uses such as Meshnet to connect your devices anywhere in the world, SmartPlay feature, and more.

Using these advanced features you can run a successful online business from your home to anywhere in the world and can have the best online gaming experience with your friends. But the question is why few countries have banned the use of VPN even after its so many advantages.  The answer is described further.

Restrictions on Using VPNs

The use of VPNs to keeps your online activity secure and private by hiding your IP address and it routes your internet traffic to a VPN server using an encrypted connection. However, many countries have restricted the use of this service and they may impose huge fines or even imprisonment if you are found using VPN service illegally. Check out the VPN legality.

Reason

  • The reason is countries that have restricted the use of VPNs follow online censorship or surveillance, but with the use of a VPN such as NordVPN you can avoid these practices by hiding your online activity and IP address from the government authorities and your internet service providers.
  • Another reason is that these governments that are concerned about using VPNs, demonetize the VPN services claiming that VPN is used for illegal activities. And these governments want to keep an eye on their people’s online activities depriving them of online freedom.
  • Focusing on illegal activities using VPNs, it is true that VPNs can be used for illegal activities by hiding their IP. But still, the positive aspects of using VPNs are far more than the negative ones. 

Shortly we can say many countries have restricted VPN services claiming that VPNs are used for illegal activities. And the government enforces internet censorship laws on their citizens.

Countries which have Restricted NordVPN

Countries which have restricted NordVPN

The use of VPNs and NordVPN is completely illegal in countries including Iraq, Oman, North Korea, Turkmenistan, and Belarus. While in some countries only government-approved VPNs are legal such as Russia, China, Egypt, India, Iran, UAE, Uganda, and Turkiye, and the authorities are allowed to monitor users. It means the sole purpose of VPN which is keeping your privacy in the first place is questioned we can consider the use of VPNs illegal in these regions too.

NordVPN's Legal Standing and Compliance with International Laws

Russia

In 2017, Russia banned VPN services that didn't comply with strict regulations, authorizing only those that agreed to log user information and provide it to the government. VPNs are prohibited from accessing banned content, though legal use is still allowed. Leading providers like NordVPN removed their servers from Russia after refusing to grant the government access, prioritizing user privacy over compliance.

NordVPN's Legal Standing and Compliance with International Laws

China

China’s Great Firewall stops access to many sites, but it can be bypassed using a strong VPN. However, all VPNs used in China, even by foreigners, must comply with strict regulations, including potential backdoor access and censorship. NordVPN is effective for bypassing these restrictions due to its obfuscated server function, which disguises VPN usage and adds extra security to your connection.

NordVPN's Legal Standing and Compliance with International Laws

United Arab Emirates

Although VPNs are not illegal in the UAE, using them to conduct prohibited activities or access websites that the government has stopped can put you into real trouble. If caught with their fingers in a VPN server, customers could face fines of at least $136k. These laws are expressed in blurred terms, but the case with VPNs does appear to be quite clear. Specifically, these rules have made one imply that using a thing like a VPN could rather break legal requirements and feature high-contribute forms of bullying on others.

NordVPN's Legal Standing and Compliance with International Laws

Oman

Oman specifically prohibits the use of encrypted forms of communication. However, if the law were fully implemented the vast majority of sites on the World Wide Web would be off-limits to citizens, and so this could be considered one of those gray areas. VPNs are, of course, also prohibited. However, one bright spot is that they may be used within Oman by any institutions or organizations that are authorized by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).

NordVPN's Legal Standing and Compliance with International Laws

India

In 2022, the Indian government ordered VPN companies to start collecting and storing user data, with the potential to share it with authorities. Failure to comply could result in prison for VPN owners. While VPNs are not yet illegal in India, this law severely hampers the operation of quality VPN services with local servers. As a result, NordVPN shut down all its servers in India.

NordVPN's Legal Standing and Compliance with International Laws

Egypt

While attempting to access locked websites through VPNs is technically not legal in Egypt, people doing this might be fined or dumped in jail. In Egypt, it is not illegal to use VPNs as such but care needs to be taken. Yet, such necessary precautions as utilizing the Double VPN feature or obfuscated servers are also recommended. Emphasizing again as life becomes more complicated and complex due to Internet technology, be sure you keep your own behavior within the range of the law when using a VPN.

NordVPN's Legal Standing and Compliance with International Laws

Belarus

In Belarus, VPNs are illegal, and so is the Tor network. They have been banned since 2015 and any technology that lets users hide where they are online. The dictatorship tries to keep a stranglehold over its own citizens' internet traffic so as not to allow any potentially antigovernmental material through, but it also means both economic consequences for those in power and fines for citizens.

NordVPN's Legal Standing and Compliance with International Laws

Turkmenistan

In Turkmenistan, VPNs are flatly forbidden and completely stopped. Anyone crossing the line is discovered and given penalties. This kind of thing is very rare in terms of banning VPNs. The only internet service that most residents can obtain is "Turkmenet," a heavily censored version of the national telecommunications network; how the state surveils you! It is acutely watching and checking every move you make when you go online. Because of this very different internet environment, even advanced VPN techniques such as obfuscated servers are of no help.

NordVPN's Legal Standing and Compliance with International Laws

North Korea

We all know North Korea is considered one of the most repressive countries in the world; it should then come as no great shock that as a North Korean living with limitations and freedom controlled by the Party apparatus through strict and rigorous internet regulation. They ban VPN use and monitor the internet. Like Turkmenistan, the majority of citizens can access only the national intranet. But most North Koreans do not even have internet access or telephone service.

NordVPN's Legal Standing and Compliance with International Laws

Uganda

Uganda stops VPNs for commercial rather than political or surveillance reasons. When the government decided several years back to charge individuals in order to permit them access to social media sites, the public turned to VPNs. However, the next step taken was that Ugandan ISPs were instructed by the government to refuse access from VPN users. However, since VPNs have not been entirely banned in the country, many people still use them instead.

These are some countries that have illegalized, banned, or restricted VPN services due to various reasons. However, they must consider the positive aspects of using a VPN besides some of its negative aspects that are notorious because of some people who like themselves to be involved in illegal activities.

NordVPN Compliance with Local Laws

a man holding scales and scales of justice showing NordVPN Compliance with Local Laws

NordVPN’s adherence to local laws is a complex matter that features striking a balance between user privacy and its legal obligations. NordVPN compliance with local laws adheres strictly to a NordVPN no-logs policy; it will inevitably have no option but to comply with any valid lawful request received. 

Key Points

  • No-Logs Policy: NordVPN takes user privacy seriously and promises that all of the information that it does collects from its users resides in computer memory only beyond any probing eyes. This means there are no logs kept about your online activities (such as the sites visited, downloads, or IP addresses). They simply have vanished into thin air. 
  • Compliance with Valid Legal Requests: NordVPN will do everything in its power to protect user privacy. However, the company is also governed by laws and regulations of all countries where it operates so when faced with a legitimate legal request from an authority, such as a court order or summons for documents in civil litigation – they may need to comply. 
  • Data Retention: NordVPN does store some limited data for account management purposes, such as your email address and payment details. This information does not however extend to details of what you do online or how you use the company’s services. 
  • JurisdictionNordVPN is registered in Panama, where the norms of public law also provide better protections for data storage. This location makes it easy to be sure that our company is operating legally within a framework providing emphasis on user privacy.
  • Government Surveillance: As described above different countries have different policies against VPNs. Some countries support using VPN  while others may have strict policies and laws against the use of VPN. It is important for users to be well aware of the VPN policies of their countries before using it.

NordVPN Compliance with International Laws

NordVPN’s adherence to its strict policies for user privacy and data protection is firm and resolute. NordVPN compliance with international Laws clearly states that it will only respond to legal requests under specific conditions if it is delivered under proper laws and regulations.

Key Points

  • NordVPN’s commitment to its No-logs policy: NordVPN no-logs policy makes it legal in only those countries where the government respects their citizen’ privacy and has no surveillance over their online activity. For instance, as already discussed, the Indian government demanded online data from the company for users. But the company, in response, took down their servers from that country. 
  • NordVPN’s accordance with Censorship: Many countries such as Iran and North Korea have strict surveillance and censorship laws. They always keep an eye on their user online activity. However, NordVPN does not work in accordance with these censorship laws, which is why NordVPN is illegal in these countries. But, still, the company did not make any compromise to get their servers in these countries.
  • Transparency Report: NordVPN submits transparency reports to its users timely. This report explains to users how many times their government has demanded user details from them.

NordVPN Stance Copyright Infringement

NordVPN has a harsh stance against copyright infringement In recognizing the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, the company endeavors to ensure no illegal activities take place within their services All this talk about the company’s position on copyright infringement makes NordVPN feel like reading between the lines.

Copyright Infringement is not permitted

Copyright Infringement is not permitted

NordVPN operates a zero-tolerance policy toward copyright infringement. This includes piracy and unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material.

DMCA Compliance

DMCA Compliance

NordVPN will actively perform takedowns on or prohibit website links to pirated works when properly notified under DMCA law, which will be described below,  by submitting notice of copyright ownership for deletion or stopping from Internet access.

User Responsibility

User Responsibility

NordVPNhave repeated it several times that its users are responsible for their own online activities. They must take all precautions not to infringe copyright laws in any way.

Privacy Issues

Privacy Issues

Even though NordVPN does everything it can to stop copyright infringement, it also gives its users as much privacy as possible. If someone is suspected of breaking the company’s copyright law, they normally won’t look into behavior that way too deeply.

In short, NordVPN clearly states that it has a zero-tolerance policy against copyright and unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material. The user is responsible for their own action and the company will implement its DMCA laws that are against their act. However, due to NordVPN policies, it will not disclose the personal identity of the suspected individual.

NordVPN legal Compliance: Handling DMCA Requests

Handling DMCA Requests

NordVPN tries to walk the line between customer privacy and copyright protection. Protecting the anonymity of our customers is important to us, but like all responsible companies, we also have a duty not to infringe other people’s intellectual property rights. This is how NordVPN handles DMCA requests:

The company’s notification process: 

When NordVPN receives a DMCA takedown notice, it will study carefully all the claims made in that notice by the claimants. The notice should contain specific information about the allegedly infringing material, such as the URL of the website where this type of content has been published and how they should contact you (the copyright holder).

Investigates the Claim

NordVPN runs a thorough investigation on the claimants being infringed claim. This investigation may involve analyzing the content, verifying the copyright holder’s claims, and consulting with legal experts.

Takes Action against the Infringement

If it is indeed determined that the content in question is infringing, NordVPN may take action. In some cases, this will involve:

  • Removing the content: NordVPN can remove any and all infringing material from its servers in order to comply with a takedown notice from copyright holders.
  • Access Limitation: Sometimes NordVPN may stop access to the infringing content, preventing users of its network from being able to see or otherwise reach certain items associated with it.
  • Notifying User: If NordVPN does remove or prevent access to content, it may notify the user who uploaded the content. However, in most instances, the company will not disclose which copyright holder made this request to which user. 

Counter-Notification

If a user thinks that their content is drafted in error when removed or stopped and would like NordVPN to restore the article, then they may send a user notice (counter-notification) through our website about changes in his name. Counter-notification must give specific information about close terms that were taken away or stopped and include a statement that the user has a large and honest belief that such taking down was an error.

Safe Harbor Provision

NordVPN operates under the safe harbor provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. This means that if the company promptly removes or prevent access to infringing material when it receives a valid DMCA notice, then in general terms and conditions we are not responsible for any possible copyright infringement that goes on afterwards.

NordVPN’s approach to handling DMCA requests is carefully tailored to respect user privacy and comply with copyright law. However, we may take different specific actions depending on the circumstances in each case of customer dispute acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What could happen if I use a VPN illegally?

It depends on which country you are. For instance you are in a country such as India where VPN use is restricted but by some means you still use VPN you will not face any severe charges. But, if you are in UAE where the use of VPN is banned and may cost 130k+ fine for using VPN or explicit use of VPN. And now suppose you are using a VPN illegally in North Korea you may face severe consequences and penalties.

Can I use VPN as a foreigner in another country where VPN is restricted?

Using a VPN service in another country where it is restricted can be risky, even if you are a foreigner. Because you have to follow their laws when you are there. Using VPN by illegal means you may have to face penalties and fines for breaking the law.

Can copyright infringement using NordVPN may lead to legal penalties?

Yes, copyright infringement using NordVPN may lead to legal penalties. Although NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy it cannot save you from legal actions. Moreover, NordVPN clearly states that it does not help cyber criminals like other VPN services that were banned for helping them. In case of legal requests, NordVPN responds to them.

The Bottom Line

NordVPN is the top VPN provider and it is well-known for providing fast and secure VPN services anywhere in the world. But it is restricted and banned in some parts of the world and illegal use of VPN may cause imprisonment and heavy fines.

So, it is important to know about the NordVPN legal compliance before subscribing to NordVPN. Otherly NordVPN has strict zero-tolerance policies against copyright infringement. It does not protect those involved in this act and take strict actions against them.

Customer Reviews for NordVPN: In-Depth Review, Tests, and Stats

IR Irina

NordVPN's Legal Standing and Compliance with International Laws
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Connection issues with MLB.TV
So I had some connection issues on my iOS device (iPad) with MLB.TV streaming, and representative named Garfield SOLVED my unique problem that I had spent hours researching and tackling with no luck before today! Garfield was extremely patient, personable, and very knowledgeable. Through multiple approaches and problem-solving steps, he created a solutuon that worked. Way to go, and definitely a returning NordVPN customer here. Thank you, Garfield.
Date of Experience:
May, 2 2023
CH Christina

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Prompt customer service
My subscription automatically renewed and a payment was taken, which I didn’t want as I haven’t been using the service. I contacted the company and received a prompt and efficient response where my subscription was reversed and the payment was returned. If only every company was so easy to contact and communicate with!
Date of Experience:
May, 6 2023
MW Michael White

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I would highly recommend
Excellent service and easy to use to protect your privacy. I have NVPN on my laptop, iPhone and fire stick, great value for money.
Date of Experience:
December, 15 2023
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