VPN - fines
#32
Hit 16's
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine
Posts: 13,112
#34
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 770
Re: VPN - fines
I had to do some research on this. I personally don't think it worth the enormous risk of using VPN anymore and certainly not just for the sake of watching Eastenders. This was what I had to say about it! UAE VPN Warning
#35
Re: VPN - fines
Chance of getting busted is slim.. but it's a new law and they're going to be looking to make a few examples.
Good timing by Du... just in time to sell you the football package before the EPL kicks off..
Pub it is then 😋
Good timing by Du... just in time to sell you the football package before the EPL kicks off..
Pub it is then 😋
#36
Re: VPN - fines
just in time to sell you the football package that has increased 25pct in price since last season
#41
Hit 16's
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine
Posts: 13,112
#43
Re: VPN - fines
Therefore, as I only use a VPN simply to watch UK TV (honest guv), which is not a criminal activity under UAE law (I don't think), I should not have any issues in continuing?
You also don't need a VPN to use Skype (I remember you used to have to, many years ago) so can't see any issues there either?
#44
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 547
Re: VPN - fines
As far as I can make out (clarity seems to be in short supply unsurprisingly), the revision has only increased the fine/sentence for using a VPN for criminal means, otherwise nothing else has changed?
Therefore, as I only use a VPN simply to watch UK TV (honest guv), which is not a criminal activity under UAE law (I don't think), I should not have any issues in continuing?
You also don't need a VPN to use Skype (I remember you used to have to, many years ago) so can't see any issues there either?
Therefore, as I only use a VPN simply to watch UK TV (honest guv), which is not a criminal activity under UAE law (I don't think), I should not have any issues in continuing?
You also don't need a VPN to use Skype (I remember you used to have to, many years ago) so can't see any issues there either?
I think watching the BBC is unlikely to be prosecuted.
For skype - you are correct you don't need to use a VPN for skype-skype calls, but they do still block skype-landline/mobile calls. Using a VPN to get around that blockage could, as far as I can tell, be classed by TRA as a crime and therefore prosecutable under the revised law.
I don't know where the burden of proof (of criminal usage) lies. Depending upon the technology you use, it can be hard for the authorities to tell what you are using your VPN to do (that, after all, is part of the point of them). So I don't know whether there is a risk that you use a VPN for innocent purposes (eg online banking), but end up being prosecuted and then made to prove that you were using it for such a non-criminal activity - which could be hard to do. Or do the authorities need to prove both that you were using a VPN, and that it was for criminal purposes? I'd rather not be a test case!
#45
Re: VPN - fines
As you say, clarity is lacking. But...
I think watching the BBC is unlikely to be prosecuted.
For skype - you are correct you don't need to use a VPN for skype-skype calls, but they do still block skype-landline/mobile calls. Using a VPN to get around that blockage could, as far as I can tell, be classed by TRA as a crime and therefore prosecutable under the revised law.
I don't know where the burden of proof (of criminal usage) lies. Depending upon the technology you use, it can be hard for the authorities to tell what you are using your VPN to do (that, after all, is part of the point of them). So I don't know whether there is a risk that you use a VPN for innocent purposes (eg online banking), but end up being prosecuted and then made to prove that you were using it for such a non-criminal activity - which could be hard to do. Or do the authorities need to prove both that you were using a VPN, and that it was for criminal purposes? I'd rather not be a test case!
I think watching the BBC is unlikely to be prosecuted.
For skype - you are correct you don't need to use a VPN for skype-skype calls, but they do still block skype-landline/mobile calls. Using a VPN to get around that blockage could, as far as I can tell, be classed by TRA as a crime and therefore prosecutable under the revised law.
I don't know where the burden of proof (of criminal usage) lies. Depending upon the technology you use, it can be hard for the authorities to tell what you are using your VPN to do (that, after all, is part of the point of them). So I don't know whether there is a risk that you use a VPN for innocent purposes (eg online banking), but end up being prosecuted and then made to prove that you were using it for such a non-criminal activity - which could be hard to do. Or do the authorities need to prove both that you were using a VPN, and that it was for criminal purposes? I'd rather not be a test case!
I think I'll risk it though, there are a couple of series coming up that I want to watch that they don't show here (can't name them as I fear my username will be cancelled on BE and I'll be transferred across to Abu Dhabi or Expat Woman), and there'll be another in November..