Free flow of online data manipulating the users have critically restricted online freedom. As a result of which numerous countries have imposed restrictions on the usage of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) which includes the UAE.
A Virtual Private Network is a connection strategy to protect private and open systems, similar to WiFi Hotspots and the Internet. Security is extended with a Virtual Private Network in light of the way that the customer’s basic IP address is superseded with one from the Virtual Private Network provider. Users can acquire an IP address from any entryway city the VPN administration gives. For example, you may live in San Francisco, yet with a Virtual Private Network, you can seem to live in Amsterdam, New York, or any city.
In UAE, there are several numbers of VPN being used which allows the user to access Wifi in public domain without being hacked by a different server. It enables the user to access data which is anyway restricted by the government in the country. The recent ban on Skype calls on private Wifi’s have increased the number of VPN users in the Country.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, VPN is strictly governed by Cybercrime Law of UAE (Federal law Number 5 of 2012) with its recent amendments which explicitly restricts the usage of VPN and imposes penalties on the users, if caught. The new law states that “anyone who uses a fake IP address to commit any crime or prevent the discovery of such crime shall be punished with a fine not less than AED 50,000 (UAE Dirhams fifty thousand) and not more than AED 2 Million.”
Apart from Cybercrime Law, TRA (Telecommunication Regulatory Authority) has recently forbidden the usage of VOIP calls in UAE and empowers TRA to initiate criminal proceedings against the users. Additionally, the government of UAE restricts several online content or websites which are as follows:
The content which induces users to commit fraud, theft or deception;
Content which promotes impersonating;
Content which allows the users to operate other’s bank accounts or other confidential financial information.
Content which invades anyone’s privacy;
Content which provides information for public or any private organization.
Recent amendments in Cybercrime Law confirms that the UAE government is taking strict measures to prevent the usage of VPN services from accessing illegal content or content which is especially prohibited in UAE. Criminal Lawyers of Dubai advises all our readers to use VPN for permissible activities. Otherwise, they may face stringent penalties.