In 2026, many people in China still use VPN services to access blocked websites or apps. But what are the actual consequences of using an “unauthorized” VPN? Let’s look at what the law says, what has really happened, and what you should do to stay safe.
1. What does “unauthorized VPN” mean?
According to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), all cross-border VPN connections must be approved by the government. Only enterprise VPNs that are officially licensed can operate legally. Personal or third-party VPN services that have not received government approval are considered “unauthorized.”
2. Possible penalties and enforcement
Although news headlines often exaggerate VPN crackdowns, most enforcement cases target those who sell or operate VPN services, not individual users. Reported cases include:
- A developer fined RMB 1 million in 2018 for selling VPN access;
- An individual sentenced to 9 months in 2019 for running VPN servers;
- Ordinary users rarely fined (typically RMB 500–1000) and only after repeated offenses.
For normal users accessing work or study resources, the risk remains very low.
3. Real-world risks & safety advice
- Avoid downloading VPNs from unverified sources or social media links;
- Do not sell or promote VPN accounts;
- Use VPNs only for legitimate activities (remote work, education, research, streaming).
4. How to use VPNs safely in China
- Install your VPN app before entering China;
- Use trusted providers like Free VPN Rank with obfuscation and encryption;
- Avoid using VPNs on public or enterprise networks without permission;
- Stay compliant with local laws and company policies.
5. Why choose Free VPN Rank
Free VPN Rank follows a strict no-logs policy, offers end-to-end encryption, and uses stealth technology to stay secure in China. It enables legal, privacy-respecting VPN usage for business travelers, students, and professionals.
In summary, using an unauthorized VPN in China rarely leads to penalties for personal users — but operating or selling VPNs without approval is illegal. Stick with reputable services like Free VPN Rank and use VPNs responsibly to stay safe in 2026.
