It was initially created for security purposes. With growing popularity, came various uses of VPN and with it came the fear if one can get in trouble for using a VPN.
The short answer is – no.
Although it seems like you are breaking some sort of rule, there is more to it. It is not the same as piracy.
You can, however, get in trouble for piracy, which is illegal and can result in legal action against you and/or huge fines if you get caught. The use of a VPN is legal in most countries, including Australia.
Using A VPN In Australia
According to the Copyright Act 2015, using a VPN to access foreign content is not illegal in Australia. Content providers often limit the use of their content within specified geographic locations. They do this to prevent copyright infringement. This results in several websites and content being geo-blocked. However, bypassing this block is not illegal under the Copyright Act.
One of the most common reasons people use VPN in Australia is to access more content from Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.
Is It Risky?
No. As long as you are not stealing anything, you don’t have much to worry about. It seems risky because it hides your identity online. Given the current condition of the internet, it is safer to hide your identity anyway.
However, you should be wary of using an unreliable VPN service. Remember that nothing comes for free and if someone claims that, they must be taking something from you. In the case of a VPN, your personal data.
What Happens If You Get Caught?
That is not a risk. Not much will happen to you within Australian laws. But Netflix has the right to ban you. When you register for a Netflix account, you agree to their ‘terms and conditions’. This means you have to abide by their rules. You breach that agreement when you use a VPN. Although currently, they are working on VPN blocks to stop the circumvention of geo-blocks altogether.
However, remember that a VPN only hides your identity while you are using it. If you engage in illegal activities, it may be possible to link you to the other activities. In that case, however difficult it may be, law enforcement will be able to track you down.
Is It Expensive?
Not really. Most secure trustworthy services are paid but not very expensive. There are monthly and yearly packages you can choose from and you get a free trial period before you start the paid subscription. If you do come across a free VPN, it probably has some limitations – they usually have a data limit or only 1 or 2 server locations. If they claim to have no limitations, it’s probably not safe.
Recommended VPN Services
There are many options on the internet – both free and paid. Some are better for streaming, some are better for browsing. Whatever you use it for, you should carefully look at the features – cost, security, activity logging, number of server locations, number of devices supported, etc.
Here are some of the most reliable services for your country:
1. ExpressVPN
- Speedy connection
- Provides data encryption
- Compatible with multiple devices
- No activity logging
- Reliable and secure
2. Nord VPN
- Affordable rates
- No activity logging
- Compatible with most operating systems and devices
- Can be used on up to 6 devices at the same time with one account
3. CyberGhost
- 110 different server locations to choose from
- Reliable and secure
- 24-hour support team
- No activity logging
4. Private Internet Access
- Provides data encryption
- Server location in 48 countries
- Anonymous payment option
- Compatible with all popular operating systems
5. IPVanish
- User-friendly
- High-speed connection
- No activity logging
- Can run on up to 10 devices at the same time
6. Hotspot Shield
- Speedy connection
- Provides data encryption
- Secure and strong server locations in 80 countries
- No activity logging
- Compatible with most popular operating systems
7. Surfshark
- No activity logging
- Server locations in 63 countries
- Can be used in multiple devices at the same time, no limit
- Provides data encryption
Negatives of Using A VPN
You should be careful going into anything you don’t know well about. As useful as they are, VPN services are not without flaws. Here are some things you should be aware of:
- Using a VPN means connecting you through another location – this will always impact your operational speed. With good quality VPNs, the reduction in speed is minimal.
- It may not always work. Like Netflix, many other services are working on VPN blocking. So don’t be surprised if even using a VPN does not get you what you want.
- Even if your VPN provides data encryption, it is almost impossible for you to test how strong it is. So however reliable it may seem, think twice before entering personal information on a new website.
- Connection loss is very common when you use a VPN. Services that do not have the Kill Switch feature cannot protect you in the case of a lost connection. Even if it is for a short time, you are left vulnerable to the internet (and everyone on it).
- Although most VPN services claim to have a ‘no activity logging’ policy, some do not mention anything regarding this. This is more common with free VPNs and can be risky. The VPN service you use has access to your data and activity and they can sell it to third parties if they want.
- Another major issue with free VPNs is the unmonitored entry of malware into your device. You won’t even know when these intervened in your system and started stealing your information.
Conclusion
The Internet is a great place but it can be quite dangerous at the same time. In all honesty, you can never be too cautious about your online activities these days.
But, can you get in trouble for using a VPN? No. There may be amendments to the law in the future. As of now, using a VPN does not break any law.
Is it safe? Most of the time. Either way, you need to do your research before you decide to use one. Find a reliable service with good reviews and try not to get carried away by ‘free stuff’. As long as you do not engage in illegal online activities, you can sleep in peace.