The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has become a common practice for individuals seeking secure and private internet connections. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), residents are permitted to utilize VPNs, but the country’s cybersecurity chief emphasizes that misuse remains a critical concern.
Muhammad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity at the UAE Government, recently addressed the issue at the G[P]RC Summit, stating, “We have no problem with people using VPNs, but using it for bad things is the problem.” This statement comes in light of the UAE experiencing a surge in VPN application downloads, with the numbers hitting an all-time high in 2023, surpassing even the pandemic year’s record in 2020.
Highest Number of VPN Application Downloads
According to the Global VPN Adoption Index by Atlas VPN, the UAE recorded the highest number of VPN application downloads in the past four years. As the country continues to embrace digital connectivity, concerns about the misuse of VPNs have prompted legislative measures.
Under UAE Decree Law No (34) of 2021, specifically addressing rumors and cybercrimes, the use of VPNs for illegal activities, committing crimes, or attempting to conceal one’s IP address to access restricted websites or applications is deemed a serious offense. Violators of this law may face imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh2 million.
While VPNs have become a crucial tool for many UAE residents, enabling them to make audio-video calls through popular apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Facetime, Discord, and dating applications, the rising concerns about misuse highlight the delicate balance between personal privacy and national security.
The surge in downloads, reaching 6.1 million in the past year, reflects the growing reliance on these services. Nord Security reported that the usage of VPNs is common not only in the UAE but also among other Gulf residents seeking secure communication channels.
The VPN penetration rate, calculated by summing up downloads by country and dividing them by the country’s population, underlines the widespread adoption of this technology. The data, extracted from Google Play and Apple App Store using Sensor Tower and AppTweak services, included downloads from the 45 most significant virtual private networks providers.
As the digital landscape expands, so do the challenges in the realm of cybersecurity. Al Kuwaiti acknowledged the increasing risks and complexities, attributing a significant part of the challenge to artificial intelligence (AI). He noted instances where ransomware attackers utilized AI to craft sophisticated phishing emails and create and verify codes to infiltrate systems.
In response to these evolving threats, Al Kuwaiti emphasized the growing role of AI in defending against cyberattacks. The UAE’s centennial goal for 2071 is to establish itself as an AI nation, aligning with global efforts to harness the potential of artificial intelligence for the benefit of society.
Acknowledging that risk is inherent in every domain, Al Kuwaiti assured that the UAE is actively using AI to detect and proactively respond to potential threats, thereby safeguarding the nation’s economic pillars. He expressed gratitude to the collaborative efforts of partners in ensuring the safety and security of critical infrastructure.
In its pursuit of becoming an AI-driven nation, the UAE remains committed to crafting flexible and adaptive policies that foster the prosperity and success of businesses in an increasingly agile and digital world. As residents continue to embrace technological advancements, the responsible use of virtual private networks becomes a focal point, where individual privacy aligns with national security imperatives in the intricate dance of the virtual landscape.