The Internet has made us a far more connected world. We have access to all the knowledge we could want, and almost every form of entertainment at our fingertips. Those from countries with an unrestricted Internet may take this freedom for granted, expecting to be able to open any site or app with a click.
Not every country allows its residents to access the web freely, with many regulating domestic access based on civic or moral standards. The most famous example of this is China’s “Great Firewall,” which blocks everything from search engines such as Google and most Western social media to games such as Roblox. This far-reaching policy has the aims of blocking political discussion and criticism as well as protecting domestic developers.
More common are less-overarching blocks based on filtering out sites related to adult content or other potentially illegal activities. Countries such as the UAE, Qatar, and Pakistan block such content. Other countries, such as the U.K., have strict age-verification requirements that require users to upload their identification cards and other personal documentation.
Even dating apps, especially those that serve the LGBTQ community, are banned or monitored in some locations, and attempts to circumvent the law has led to arrests. Gambling is another common target. In 2025, India passed a blanket ban on online gambling, including sports betting, and Belgium has made “gatcha-style” gaming apps, which let users buy spins for random prizes, illegal.
Many people turn to VPNs (virtual private networks, which assign you an out-of-country IP address) in order to get around blocks. However, this may also be illegal depending on where you reside. Tanzania, India, and Turkey are just a few countries with VPN restrictions. In places that prevent users from accessing VPNs as well as block communication platforms such as Zoom, it can get tricky to maintain business communication.
For more information on the state of the global Internet, Freedom House provides a yearly analysis. In 2024, they noted improvements in Zambia, but a curtailing of online freedom in Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan. On the other hand, the Netherlands and Chile scored highly for protecting digital rights.
Living Abroad also provides information on any local Internet restrictions. The information is located in the Get Connected section, under Computers. Being aware in advance and preparing for what can or can’t be accessed can make work and daily life go more smoothly in any relocation.
Written by Kate Havas, GMS-T, Content Manager
