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Denmark wants to ban VPNs to unlock foreign, illegal streams  and experts are
worried

Date:
Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:54:04 +0000

Description:
Denmark has drafted a new law to stop people from using VPNs to access 
foreign streaming libraries and illegal websites. But digital rights 
advocates are sounding the alarm.

FULL STORY

The Danish government has ignited a firestorm of criticism after proposing a
new bill that would make it illegal to use a VPN to access geoblocked
streaming content or bypass restrictions on illegal websites. 

The proposal, which is part of a larger legislative effort to combat online
piracy, has alarmed digital rights advocates who fear it could have
far-reaching consequences for internet freedom in the country. 

While many people use the best VPN services to enhance their online privacy
and security, they are also commonly used to access streaming libraries from
other countries, for example, watching American Netflix from Denmark.
According to a recent survey by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, 9% of Danes
have used a VPN for this purpose. 

The bill , put forward by Denmarks Ministry of Culture, states that it would
be prohibited to "use VPN connections to access media content that would
otherwise not be available in Denmark, or to bypass blocking of illegal
websites." If passed, the law would take effect on July 1, 2026, with
offenders facing a fine. 

The proposal was immediately condemned by privacy advocates. Jesper Lund,
chairman of the IT Political Association, expressed deep concern over the
bills ambiguous language, stating it has a "totalitarian feel to it." 

Lund argued that the current wording could be interpreted so broadly that it
would not only criminalize streaming but also hinder the sale and legitimate
use of VPN services across Denmark. 

"Even in Russia, it is not punishable to bypass illegal websites with a VPN,"
Lund told Danish broadcaster DR , pointing out that the proposed Danish law
could go further than measures seen in more authoritarian states.

A pattern of controversial legislation

The proposed VPN restrictions do not exist in a vacuum and fit into a wider
pattern of legislative efforts from Denmark that have been criticized by
privacy experts. 

The country has been a key proponent of the recent push for the EUs
controversial "Chat Control" bill, in fact, a proposal aimed at scanning
private digital messages for illicit content that critics have slammed as a "
disaster waiting to happen ." After initial plans stalled, Denmark introduced
a revised proposal , successfully moving the bill at its final legislative
stage. 

This move follows other legislative trends, including a recent push to ban
social media for children under 15 , mirroring a similar ban in Australia . 

Together, these initiatives suggest a growing willingness from Danish
lawmakers to restrict online activities in the name of safety and copyright
protection.

Europe doubles down against online piracy 

Across Europe, copyright holders have been doubling down on VPN providers
recently. The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has been pressing for VPNs to
take a larger role in anti-piracy efforts , while broadcasters in France have
successfully forced some VPNs to block access to illegal sports streams . 

However, Denmark's proposal marks a significant escalation by shifting the
legal liability from the provider to the end-user. 

In response to the backlash, Danish Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt
pushed back, stating, "I am not in favor of making VPN illegal, and I will
never propose that. That is why the critics have also got this bill 
completely wrong." He clarified that the intent is rather to stop illegal
piracy. 

As the bill is now out for consultation, digital rights organizations will be
watching closely to see whether these clarifications will truly protect the
legitimate uses of VPNs or simply pay lip service to the significant privacy
concerns that have been raised. 

======================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/denmark-wants-to-ban-vpns-t
o-unlock-foreign-illegal-streams-and-experts-are-worried

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