The internet freedom can be issue for most travelers and locals due to some restrictions. My friend also faced the issue to access some of his favorite social media platforms and blogs. He has no option other then download a VPN, purchase a subscription and change his location. The VPN allows in UAE if you use it in legal way. If you are internet person, then your trip to UAE ma require technical knowledge. My article covers Why is VPN illegal in UAE in detail.
Your VPN (virtual private network) creates a secure and private connection with your device and a remote server to the VPN provider. It is encrypt your data, hide your IP address, and allow access to blocked content on the internet. Explore Benefits of Living in Dubai.
In UAE, Service providers and technology companies do not transparently disclose procedures for authorities to access user data, raising privacy concerns. UAE residents facing issues with telecommunications service providers can register complaints with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) through a free online service if the provider’s resolution is unsatisfactory. The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for illegal purposes is a crime in the UAE.
Unethical Websites ban
500 undisclosed search terms were banned by the Dubai Police and the TRA to protect young people from “vulgar” and “unethical” websites.
Prohibited Content Categories for the Internet in UAE. The below categories explain the proper reasoning give you idea about Why is VPN illegal in UAE.
Internet Content for Bypassing Blocked Content: Includes content that helps users access blocked websites.
Internet Content for Learning Criminal Skills: Involves content providing instructions for illegal activities.
Dating Internet Content: Prohibits online dating and matchmaking conflicting with UAE ethics.
Internet Content for Illegal Drugs: Content related to purchasing or using illegal drugs.
The Online Content containing Nudity: Material of a sexual or pornographic nature.
Internet Content for Hacking and Malicious Codes: Provides tools and information for hacking and spreading malware.
Phishing Internet Content: Attempts to deceive users and obtain sensitive information.
Internet Content providing Unlicensed VoIP Service: Allows access to prohibited VoIP services.
Prohibited Top Level Domain (TLD): Content under TLDs that go against public interest, morality, security, or UAE laws.
Not Secure Websites
Websites using HTTP instead of HTTPS may be blocked to prevent access to potentially fraudulent and unsafe sites lacking encryption. The one reason that nonsecure websites are banned in most countries is due to user protection. The not secure websites has not secure SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) that makes hacker easy to currupt the website.The hackers can use the non secure website a channel to hack our devices. They can even detect your transaction passwords to take your money.
VPN Tips for UAE
My UAE friend suggest me some tips that I validate through my research to use UAE internet proper.
Plan communication methods with loved ones: Choose an app not blocked in the UAE or use a VPN for internet calls.
Get a trusted VPN: Ensure it has DNS leak protection, a no-logs policy, and apps for all your devices.
Avoid public Wi-Fi: Your data is the best option to protect your device. The public wifi has a shared option that makes it risky or less protective. Someone can send you a popup ad or banner to fillout your details and hack your precious data. You can assure protection through using the VPN on public internet.
VPN Growing Demand
A digital privacy expert predicts that VPNs will become as mainstream as antivirus products in the future. The US alone has 142 million VPN users, and the demand is continuously increasing. In the UAE, companies, institutions, and banks can use VPNs for internal purposes. A large proportion of citizens in Arab countries are using VPNs to overcome restrictive internet laws and access more bandwidth for gaming and streaming services.
Arab countries occupy four of the top five spots about VPN use per population, with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman having significant download numbers. VPNs are seen as a means for residents in Arab countries to reclaim their liberties and access restricted content due to the strict governance by hereditary rulers. The question about Why is VPN illegal in UAE may resolve as the regulation make suitable changings.
Gamers in the Gulf frequently use VPNs to change their IP addresses. It makes connections with players in other regions without any internet speed issue. The gaming industry grown in the Middle East, that makes the VPN usage common in the Gulf.
