ChatGPT is not accessible in every single country. It’s currently banned in China, Russia, and North Korea, to name a few. And, due to concerns about how the platform collects and processes user data, some European countries, including Ireland, France, and Germany, are considering restricting access to it.
Is ChatGPT banned or restricted in your country? You can access this popular chatbot from anywhere with a VPN. A VPN changes your IP address, allowing you to spoof your location and unblock ChatGPT. Here’s how to use ChatGPT in banned countries:
- Get a VPN. We recommend NordVPN. This reliable VPN can unblock ChatGPT in Cuba, Iran, or anywhere else it’s banned or restricted.
- Download and install the NordVPN app on your device.
- Open the app and connect to a server in a country where ChatGPT is available.
- Open the ChatGPT app or go to the ChatGPT website and use the chatbot freely.
We’ve tested NordVPN extensively. It’s incredibly fast, so you won’t experience delays or slow speeds. And, with 6441 servers across the globe, it’s easy to find a server to unblock ChatGPT.
NordVPN
Continue reading the article below to learn how to use ChatGPT in banned countries.
ChatGPT revolutionized the AI landscape, setting the benchmark for what generative AI is capable of. Today, people use ChatGPT for many things, from writing code to creating content. The chatbot processes tons of data every hour from users across the globe, and this has given rise to serious concerns.
China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia have blocked the OpenAI chatbot. In March 2023, Italy became the first Western country to ban ChatGPT. While Italy has rescinded its ChatGPT ban, other European countries are currently looking into restricting access to the chatbot, citing privacy concerns.
If you can’t access ChatGPT in your country, there is an easy workaround — you can use a virtual private network (VPN), like NordVPN, to spoof your location and unblock the AI assistant. Plus, a VPN provider encrypts your internet traffic, making it hard for a third party to track you. We’ve used NordVPN to access ChatGPT from different countries.
Why Is ChatGPT Banned in Some Countries?
There are different reasons why ChatGPT may be banned in your country. In countries with strict internet censorship, ChatGPT is banned mainly because of fears that it can be used to spread dissent and misinformation. Governments in these countries have a tight grip over what information people can access, and they see ChatGPT as a threat to their control.
In other countries, access to ChatGPT is restricted due to privacy concerns. Italy’s privacy watchdog temporarily blocked access to ChatGPT in 2023 after accusing the chatbot of unlawfully collecting user data. The month-long ban was lifted after ChatGPT added an age-verification tool and made other changes to meet the regulator’s requirements.
At the time of writing, Italy’s privacy watchdog and regulators in other countries are assessing ChatGPT’s privacy practices and could block access to the chatbot if it’s found to fall foul of local laws.
Countries that have blocked ChatGPT
Currently, ChatGPT is banned in the following countries:
- Russia
- China
- North Korea
- Cuba
- Iran
- Syria
How to Unblock ChatGPT: A Brief Guide
Below is an easy, step-by-step guide explaining how to access ChatGPT from anywhere with a VPN. We’ll use NordVPN — it’s the best VPN for ChatGPT based on our tests.
- Download and install NordVPN. You can find this VPN app on your device’s app store or the NordVPN website. NordVPN has apps for various operating systems, including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. You can even opt for the NordVPN browser extension.
- Launch the VPN app and connect to a server in a country where ChatGPT is available. If you’re unsure which country to choose, connect to a US or UK server.
- Go to the ChatGPT website and start interacting with the AI chatbot.
If it doesn’t work the first time, close ChatGPT, clear your cache and connect to a different VPN server in a country that hasn’t blocked ChatGPT.
How to use ChatGPT in Hong Kong
If you are looking to use ChatGPT in Hong Kong, follow these steps:
- Sign up for a VPN subscription. We recommend NordVPN, our top VPN for unblocking websites abroad.
- Download and install NordVPN. NordVPN has apps available for a wide range of devices. Download the appropriate app for your device.
- Launch the app and log in to your account. You should see a variety of server locations.
- Connect to a server outside of Hong Kong where ChatGPT is available, like the US, Canada, Australia, or Europe.
- Head to the ChatGPT website or app. You should now be able to use the service without any issues.
How to access ChatGPT in China
Here’s how to use ChatGPT in China:
- Sign up for a VPN subscription. We recommend NordVPN. It is our top choice for unblocking this chatbot.
- Download and install the NordVPN app. NordVPN has apps for different operating systems.
- Launch the app and log in to your account.
- Connect to a server outside of China where ChatGPT is available. This could mean connecting to a European server or one in the US or Canada.
- Open ChatGPT. You should now be able to use the service without issues.
How to use ChatGPT in Russia
If you are looking to use ChatGPT in Russia, follow these steps:
- Sign up for a VPN subscription. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install NordVPN.
- Launch the app and log in to your account.
- Connect to a server outside of Russia where ChatGPT isn’t blocked.
- Head to the ChatGPT website or app. You should now be able to use the service.
The Best VPN for Unblocking ChatGPT: The 3 Best VPNs for ChatGPT
A good ChatGPT VPN should be able to change your IP address without any IP or DNS leaks and provide fast speeds for quick answers. It should also offer robust encryption and decent security to bypass censorship. Let’s go through our top three ChatGPT VPNs.
1. NordVPN: A secure and fast VPN for ChatGPT
What We Like
- More privacy with AES-256 encryption
- Fast connection speeds
- Double VPN servers for extra online protection
- Trustworthy VPN that won't store your data
What We Don't Like
- Limited multi-language support
After extensively testing dozens of VPNs against ChatGPT geo-blocks, we’ve concluded that NordVPN is the best VPN to unblock ChatGPT. We’ve tested NordVPN extensively, and it’s currently at the top of our list as the overall best VPN. You can choose from an extensive network of over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, giving you plenty of options to access ChatGPT.
NordVPN doesn’t leak your DNS or IP address, so you can use ChatGPT for prolonged sessions. In countries with strict local regulations like China, where VPN use is frowned upon, NordVPN’s kill switch automatically terminates your connection when the VPN connection drops. This way, your data is accidentally leaked through an unprotected connection.
NordVPN is also our top-rated VPN for accessing other AI tools. We have also used it to unblock Imagine with Meta AI and access it outside the US.
In short, with NordVPN, you can use ChatGPT for as long as you want without worrying about connection lags or drops. It’s a stable, fast VPN that can easily help you unblock OpenAI’s chatbot.
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- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
Would you like to know more about this provider? We did a full, in-depth review of NordVPN, where we discussed all of its features as well as its app and installation process.
2. Surfshark: An affordable and feature-rich ChatGPT VPN
What We Like
- Excellent speeds
- Unlimited connections: use it on all your devices
- WireGuard for fast connectivity
What We Don't Like
- No dedicated IPs
Surfshark is an excellent choice for accessing ChatGPT, largely thanks to its server coverage in 100 countries. It offers super-fast speeds both on local and distant servers. That way, you won’t experience lags, and ChatGPT will respond quickly to your prompts.
Furthermore, Surfshark boasts many handy security features, including CleanWeb (an ad, malware, and tracker blocker), NoBorders Mode (a good fit for ChatGPT in restrictive countries), and features like its stealth VPN.
If you need a cheap VPN to unblock ChatGPT, Surfshark is a great choice.
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- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
You can read more about Surfshark’s tracker blocker and unblocking options in our full Surfshark review. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can take advantage of.
3. ExpressVPN: A beginner-friendly VPN service
What We Like
- Beginner-friendly
- Large server spread
- Obfuscated servers so you won't run into blocks
- Strict no-logs policy for privacy
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
ExpressVPN gets just about everything right. Its servers are spread across 94 countries, giving you more than enough options to access ChatGPT even if more countries block it.
For people new to VPNs, ExpressVPN is the ideal choice. It’s easy to download, install, and use. With regards to speeds, ExpressVPN is not the fastest, but it has a built-in speed test feature to help you pick the fastest server right off the bat.
The only drawback? It’s relatively expensive compared to other options, like Surfshark. However, you get an incredibly high level of quality in return. ExpressVPN is known for its consistently stable connections. It does what it’s supposed to do and does it well.
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- Very easy-to-use VPN
- Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e., Netflix)
- Thousands of servers in 105 countries
Our in-depth ExpressVPN review will tell you more about how this provider can be useful beyond unblocking ChatGPT.
Other Ways to Unblock ChatGPT
While using a VPN is the best option for unblocking ChatGPT in countries where it’s banned, there are some other ways to do so, including:
- Using a proxy server: A proxy server works on a similar principle to a VPN but doesn’t provide the same level of security. You’re connected through a third-party server, giving you a different IP address. However, logging can occur on proxy servers, and your connection isn’t encrypted.
- Smart DNS: Smart DNS tricks websites and services into thinking that the DNS queries from your device are coming from an eligible country. However, as with proxy servers, there is no encryption of your internet connection.
In general, VPNs provide faster connection speeds and are more secure. For this reason, we recommend VPNs such as NordVPN.
What Is ChatGPT, and Why Is It So Popular?
ChatGPT is a natural language processing artificial intelligence system that allows users to enter prompts using everyday language and get responses in natural language. It can carry out tasks such as answering questions, even writing emails, and providing tips on writing code.
ChatGPT is well-liked for several reasons. Here are some of the main ones:
- Easy information input: Users can enter prompts in normal, conversational language.
- Fast response times: ChatGPT can give you the exact answer you’re looking for quickly, as opposed to having to search for it with a search engine.
- Available in multiple languages: It can understand and respond to prompts in different countries.
- Novelty: ChatGPT is novel and was the first natural language processing AI chatbot to be available to the public.
While ChatGPT is a great option for gaining information, it can still get tripped up when asked some questions. In addition, it lacks knowledge past 2021. It also doesn’t understand some of the nuances of human language, like irony and sarcasm.
Will more countries ban ChatGPT?
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has called for all EU countries to investigate ChatGPT and similar chatbots. Italy’s previous ban has inspired other EU countries to explore the possibility of banning or restricting ChatGPT.
Here’s a summary of the actions some countries are taking, according to a report by Reuters.
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| France, Italy, and Ireland | Privacy authorities are investigating possibilities for a ban on ChatGPT. |
| Germany | Ulrich Kelber, head of Germany’s federal data protection authority, granted an interview to the Handelsblatt newspaper stating the possibility of Germany banning ChatGPT. He added that such a ban would fall under state authorities since OpenAI is a company. |
| Sweden | Regulators are currently not considering a ban. |
| Spain | Spanish authorities did not rule out a future investigation into ChatGPT and its privacy concerns. |
| UK | The UK’s data protection authority, the International Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has warned companies generating and using AI tools to comply with data protection laws or face sanctions. |
Why countries ban ChatGPT
All over the world, national authorities and cybersecurity experts have raised legal, ethical, and privacy concerns about ChatGPT and similar software. In some cases, these concerns were deemed so alarming that they resulted in country-wide bans. Some of the main issues raised are the following:
- OpenAI doesn’t provide information about what kind of data is collected and how it’s used.
- It seems there’s no legal basis for OpenAI to collect troves of information about users.
- The information ChatGPT provides doesn’t always match real data.
- AI software might have been trained on questionable sources, which can result in biased or misleading information.
With technology developing as quickly as it does, it makes sense that the rules surrounding it fall behind. Only time will tell how different countries and communities deal with these new possibilities. Laws will be put into place as AI software continues to grow.
A ban on technology could be seen as a temporary delay in the advancement of AI, so the use of it will be more effective and less error-prone than it currently is. This seems to have been the case for Italy.
Why You Need a VPN to Access ChatGPT and Get Around a Ban
If you attempt to use ChatGPT from a country where it’s banned, you’ll receive a notification that ChatGPT is disabled for users in that location. With a VPN, you can easily bypass these blocks and also sidestep geo-restrictions to access blocked sites.
Besides getting around a ChatGPT ban, however, there are other benefits to using a VPN for the AI chatbot. A VPN drastically improves your privacy and security. OpenAI and other AI companies collect vast amounts of personal and sensitive information to train their systems.
This invasive data collection doesn’t just threaten your privacy but may leave you exposed to hackers in the event of a data breach. Using a VPN is a great way to secure your privacy on ChatGPT.
While a VPN can’t protect you from all of the issues that come with ChatGPT, it keeps your online activities and location under wraps. As long as your VPN connection is activated, you can easily unblock ChatGPT from anywhere.
Conclusion: What the Future Holds for ChatGPT and Other AI Chatbots
Concerns about AI have led to a coalition of more than 5,000 people signing an open letter asking all AI labs to pause work on their chatbots for six months. Signatories include popular names like Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and Twitter) and Steve Wozniak (Co-founder of Apple).
Our team of experts at VPNOverview is monitoring the situation, and we’ll regularly update our coverage based on the latest developments.
In the meantime, you can do yourself a world of good by getting a VPN. That way, even if ChatGPT is banned in your location, you can access it. NordVPN is our top provider for accessing ChatGPT and other blocked AI tools.
Check out these articles to learn how to unblock other popular websites:
- Access Anthropic Claude: Use the ChatGPT Alternative From Anywhere
- How to Access Google Bard From Anywhere in the World
- The Best VPNs for ChatGPT
Still have questions about ChatGPT? We’ve addressed the most common concerns in our FAQ below. Click on a question to see the answer.
Countries might ban ChatGPT for security or privacy reasons. Several countries, including Russia, China, and Iran, have already banned ChatGPT. In Europe, authorities have also expressed concerns that the OpenAI chatbot collects too much user data and isn’t transparent. It’s not unlikely more countries will place restrictions on ChatGPT.
ChatGPT was temporarily banned in Italy, but is accessible again. In early April, the Italian data protection watchdog Garante banned ChatGPT. In response, OpenAI has reviewed its operations and made several changes, including an age verification tool. Even so, authorities remain cautious.
Yes, it does. You can use a VPN to unblock ChatGPT if the country you’re in has blocked access to the website. All you have to do is to connect to a VPN server in a country where ChatGPT hasn’t been blocked or restricted.
NordVPN is the best VPN to access ChatGPT, thanks to its excellent unblocking ability, fast speeds, and robust security features.
ChatGPT is an AI tool created by OpenAI that uses natural language processing to have human-like conversations. The chatbot was trained using Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) to understand questions and prompts and provide human-like responses.
ChatGPT is able to perform a wide range of from solving math problems and creating content to writing music and debugging code.
