In most countries, using a web proxy is legal; it is ordinary internet technology. A few countries restrict VPNs and similar tools, and what you open through a proxy is always governed by local law and network rules.
Full answer
Proxies are everyday infrastructure: companies run them to filter staff traffic, and much of the web sits behind reverse proxies such as Cloudflare. Using one to open a website is not, in itself, an offence in most countries. The exceptions are specific and worth knowing. Rest of World counts nine countries that ban VPNs. The UAE's Federal Decree-Law 34 of 2021 sets fines of Dh500,000 to 2 million for using a VPN or similar tool to reach blocked services or hide your address for an illegal purpose. In China and Iran the legal position on circumvention tools is restrictive and unevenly enforced. India's Section 69A blocking orders target platforms and ISPs rather than users, but a banned service such as TikTok stays banned. Two other layers apply everywhere. The content you open is governed by local law, whatever route it takes. And on a school, work or other managed network, an acceptable-use policy is a contract: breaking it is usually not a crime but can still cost you access or a job. AnyProxy describes how the technology works; it is not legal advice, so check the rules where you are.
In practice
In most countries using a web proxy is legal. The exceptions are specific. Rest of World counts nine countries that ban VPNs. The UAE's Federal Decree-Law 34 of 2021 sets fines of Dh500,000–2 million for using a VPN or similar tool to reach blocked services or hide your IP for an illegal purpose. India's Section 69A orders target platforms and ISPs rather than users, but bans like TikTok's still apply. What you access is always governed by local law.
Sources: Rest of World — countries that ban VPNs · Gulf News — UAE VPN fines
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