Using VPN to access blocked websites

29-11-2017 | IslamWeb

Question:

Salam. VPN (virtual private network) is "tunneled" through a wide area network WAN such as the Internet. This means that the network does not have to be located in one physical location, like a LAN (local area network). However, by using encryption and other security measures, a VPN can scramble all the data sent through the wide area network, so the network is 'virtually' private. Is it permissible to use this in order to access certain websites that are blocked and/or avoid unwelcome third parties?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

We have previously issued a fatwa saying that there is nothing wrong with the use of networks that bypass the blocking of sites if the website required to access through such networks does not contain what is Islamically prohibited, provided that accessing it does not involve supporting falsehood or transgressing the right of any person, and provided that it is not in violation of the system set for a legitimate public interest.

Allah knows best.