Countries Where Tor Is Illegal or Blocked

The Tor network provides encrypted, anonymous internet browsing, making it a vital tool for privacy advocates, whistleblowers, and journalists, but its legal status varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction. While using the Tor browser is legal in the vast majority of countries around the world, several governments have either outright banned the network, blocked technical access to its relays, or criminalized the use of unauthorized circumvention tools.

Countries That Outright Ban or Block Tor

In certain authoritarian nations, internet service providers (ISPs) are legally mandated to block Tor traffic, and individuals caught using anonymity tools may face legal prosecution, fines, or loss of internet access.

• China: China utilizes the “Great Firewall” to block all standard connections to the Tor network. Operating or using unauthorized circumvention networks is illegal under strict cybersecurity regulations, requiring government approval for any encrypted tunneling software.
• Russia: In late 2021, Russia’s telecommunications regulator, Roskomnadzor, officially banned and blocked the Tor Project website and main relays. Russian law prohibits technologies designed to bypass state-mandated content filters, placing Tor in direct violation of local regulations.
• Belarus: In 2015, Belarus enacted legislation explicitly banning the use of Tor, along with VPNs and proxy servers that bypass government censorship. ISPs are legally required to block known Tor IP addresses.
• Iran: Iran actively blocks Tor network relays, bridge nodes, and the Tor Project website. The government strictly prohibits unauthorized circumvention tools, especially during periods of civil unrest and political protests.
• Turkmenistan: Operating under some of the world’s strictest internet censorship laws, Turkmenistan completely bans proxy tools and Tor, frequently monitoring domestic traffic and punishing citizens found attempting to access unauthorized services.

Countries with Heavy Restrictions and Censorship

Some nations do not have explicit statutes criminalizing the download of Tor, but they actively block access to its network infrastructure to enforce national filtering rules:

• Turkey: Turkey periodically blocks the Tor network, along with popular VPN services, particularly during national elections, security crises, or protests.
• Saudi Arabia and the UAE: While encryption itself is common for enterprise use, using tools like Tor to circumvent state telecommunications monopolies, bypass website blocks, or disguise unlawful activity is illegal and subject to severe penalties under local cybercrime legislation.

The General Rule Worldwide

In almost all democratic countries—including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union—using the Tor browser is 100% legal. The software itself is considered a privacy and security tool. However, using Tor to commit illicit acts, such as buying illegal goods, distributing copyrighted material, or committing cyber fraud, remains universally illegal regardless of the tool used.