EFF to Wisconsin Legislature: VPN Bans Are Still a Terrible Idea
Summary
Wisconsin lawmakers have removed a provision from S.B. 130 / A.B. 105 that would have effectively banned VPN access to certain websites. This age-verification bill initially required websites to block VPN users, which EFF argued was technically unworkable and a privacy risk. The bill, now awaiting the governor's signature, still faces opposition from EFF.
IFF Assessment
This is good news for defenders as a legislative attempt to ban or restrict the use of VPNs, which are a crucial cybersecurity tool, has been largely unsuccessful.
Defender Context
The EFF's opposition highlights the importance of VPNs for a wide range of users, including businesses and individuals concerned about privacy and security. Defenders should be aware of legislative trends that may attempt to restrict or penalize the use of privacy-enhancing technologies like VPNs.