Wisconsin Reverses Decision to Ban VPNs in Age-Verification Bill

Wisconsin Lawmakers Drop Controversial VPN Ban from Age-Verification Law

In a significant win for digital privacy advocates, Wisconsin lawmakers have decided to remove a contentious provision from a proposed age-verification law that would have banned the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The move comes after widespread criticism from privacy groups, cybersecurity experts, and everyday internet users who argued that the ban would undermine online privacy and security for millions.

The legislation in question, Senate Bill 130 and its companion Assembly Bill 105, was introduced in March 2025 with the aim of preventing businesses from “publishing or distributing material harmful to minors” unless they implemented robust age-verification methods. However, one of the bill’s provisions sparked outrage by requiring businesses to block access to their sites via VPNs, effectively banning the use of these privacy tools.

The Power of Public Advocacy

The decision to drop the VPN ban was spearheaded by State Senator Van Wanggaard, who moved to delete the controversial provision. The state assembly quickly agreed, and the revised bill now awaits the signature of Governor Tony Evers.

Rindala Alajaji, associate director of state affairs at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), hailed the reversal as “great news.” She emphasized the importance of public advocacy, stating, “Politicians heard the VPN users who shared their worries and fears, and the experts who explained how the ban wouldn’t work.”

Why VPNs Matter

VPNs are essential tools for millions of internet users worldwide. They provide encrypted connections that allow users to bypass firewalls, access geographically restricted content, and protect their online privacy. By masking IP addresses and physical locations, VPNs prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from tracking users’ online activities.

The proposed ban in Wisconsin would have had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only individual users but also businesses, universities, journalists, and law enforcement professionals who rely on VPNs for secure internet connections. The EFF argued that blocking VPNs would harm these groups and disrupt access to essential online services.

The Unworkability of VPN Bans

In an open letter to Wisconsin lawmakers, the EFF contended that it is “unworkable” to require websites to block VPN users from accessing adult content. The organization explained that websites cannot reliably determine where a VPN customer lives, as they could be located in any U.S. state or even other countries. This uncertainty would force websites to either block all VPN users, disrupting access for millions nationwide, or cease offering services in Wisconsin altogether.

A National Trend

Wisconsin is not alone in considering VPN bans as a means to restrict access to adult content. Last year, Michigan introduced the Anticorruption of Public Morals Act, which would ban all use of VPNs. If passed, the law would require ISPs to detect and block VPN usage and ban the sale of VPNs in the state, with fines reaching up to $500,000.

The Future of Online Privacy

The reversal in Wisconsin is a testament to the power of public advocacy and the importance of protecting online privacy. As more states consider age-verification laws and VPN bans, it is crucial for users to stay informed and engaged in the legislative process. The fight for digital freedom and privacy continues, and the outcome in Wisconsin serves as a reminder that collective action can make a difference.

Tags:
Wisconsin, VPN, age-verification, digital privacy, Electronic Frontier Foundation, online security, internet freedom, cybersecurity, legislation, public advocacy

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