Denmark’s VPN Ban? Here’s Why I’m Seriously Worried

I’ve been using VPNs for over a decade not just to access content, but to protect my online privacy, keep my data secure on public Wi-Fi, and sometimes just to work safely while traveling. So when I read that Denmark was seriously considering a law that could criminalize VPN usage for bypassing streaming restrictions, my first reaction was simple:

Are we really doing this in 2025?

According to the proposed law, it would be illegal to manufacture, import, distribute, promote, or even use technical tools (like VPN software) if they’re intended to provide unauthorized access to restricted digital content — like foreign TV streams. The language is broad. Too broad. And yes, VPNs are directly mentioned.

At first glance, it might sound like a typical anti-piracy move. But the implications are much, much bigger.

Want to stay private online? These are the VPNs I personally trust:

This Isn’t Just About Piracy. It’s About Control.

Let’s be honest. Streaming piracy exists. It’s nothing new. But this proposed law doesn’t just target pirated streaming websites — it targets the tools people use to access any blocked content. Tools that are legal, widely used, and in most cases, absolutely essential.

What really worries me is how casually governments are starting to talk about banning the very infrastructure of digital privacy. VPNs are not the problem — they’re part of the solution for millions of people who want to stay safe and private online.

Think about it:

• Journalists use VPNs to access blocked information in repressive countries.
• Whistleblowers rely on them to report corruption.
• Families abroad use them to connect with home services (like banking, or Czech TV, in my case).
• Remote workers depend on them to access company networks securely.

So why is Denmark trying to lump all of this under the same label as “illegal streaming”?

Here’s What the Law Says (And Why It’s Alarming)

Section 91 of the draft proposal states:

“It is prohibited to manufacture, import, distribute, acquire, possess, install or use equipment, software, or other technical solutions for the purpose of gaining unauthorized access to content restricted by technical means.”

Even promoting these tools — like writing a VPN guide (exactly what I do for a living) — could technically be illegal.

The law specifically mentions VPNs in the explanatory notes. Which means this isn’t some vague hypothetical threat. It’s real.

And even though this particular draft was paused after public backlash, the government has already said they plan to revisit it later. It’s not dead. Just postponed.

The Real Winners: Corporations, Not Creators

A Danish tech outlet called Version2 called it what it is: “Legally Sanctioned Enshittification.” That word may sound crude, but it perfectly captures what’s happening here.

Instead of protecting artists, musicians, or small production houses, laws like this end up helping massive media corporations. Netflix. Disney. Spotify. The ones already swimming in billions.

These companies claim they’re losing money to piracy. Meanwhile, Netflix is finalizing a $108 billion deal to buy Warner Bros. You don’t do that if you’re desperate.

It’s the usual playbook: Use “piracy” as an excuse to push through legislation that reduces user freedom and locks down content behind region walls.

I’m All for Fair Streaming. But This Isn’t It.

I’m not defending pirates. I pay for my subscriptions. But I also use a VPN to access services I’ve already paid for — in the language I speak, with the subtitles I need, or simply because my Czech account isn’t supported in another country.

That’s not theft. That’s digital globalization. And banning VPNs won’t stop piracy. It’ll just punish ordinary users like me (and maybe you).

If these companies truly cared about stopping piracy, they’d focus on fair pricing and wider access — not on lobbying governments to outlaw the tech that helps users stay private.

You Can’t Ban Math (And You Can’t Ban VPNs Either)

One Reddit comment summed it up better than I could:

“VPNs are just encryption. You can’t ban encryption. You’d have to ban math.”

People will always find a way to protect themselves online. If commercial VPNs are banned, tech-savvy users will just spin up their own servers using WireGuard or OpenVPN. Tailscale. SSH tunnels. Nested VPNs. The list goes on.

And once you start criminalizing basic encryption tools, you open the door to massive abuse of surveillance and censorship.

Denmark’s Proposal Could Set a Dangerous EU-Wide Precedent

I live in Europe, and I’ve seen how quickly one country’s bad idea can spread. This isn’t just a Danish issue. If this kind of legislation passes in one EU country, others might follow.

We’ve already seen growing pressure on VPN providers in Italy, France, and Germany. There are whispers of tighter regulations all across the EU — especially when it comes to streaming rights and copyright enforcement.

The risk? A patchwork of laws that makes VPN use legally ambiguous or outright illegal depending on where you are. That’s not good for anyone who values internet freedom.

What Can We Do About It?

It starts with awareness. Denmark tried to push this law during the Christmas season hoping no one would notice. That’s telling.

Here’s what I think needs to happen:

• Call it out. Speak up when bad laws are proposed, even in countries you don’t live in.
• Support digital rights organizations. Groups like EFF, Access Now, and local privacy watchdogs in Europe are doing important work.
• Keep using VPNs responsibly. Don’t let fear stop you from protecting your data and privacy.

Final Thoughts

I’ve built a big part of my digital life around using VPNs for streaming, work, security, and freedom. The idea that any government in Europe wants to take that away, just to protect the bottom line of a few streaming giants, is frustrating and honestly pretty scary.

This isn’t about stopping pirates. It’s about controlling what people can access. And once we allow that kind of control, it’s very hard to roll it back.

If we let them outlaw VPNs today, what gets banned tomorrow?

Source: https://cybersecurityadvisors.network/2025-12-16-denmark-dont-ban-vpns-to-protect-rights-holders/ and https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/denmark-wants-to-ban-vpns-to-unlock-foreign-illegal-streams-and-experts-are-worried

Petr

I'm Petr, and the online world has been my playground for more than 25 years. I've been working in IT since 2005, moving through development, project management, and eventually building my own services and online businesses. I create websites, launch projects, test new tools, figure out what actually works and what doesn’t, and share practical tips that save people time, money, and stress. I’ve also been actively investing since 2016. I enjoy digging into the markets, trying different platforms, and looking for long term opportunities that make real sense. For me, investing naturally fits into everything I already do online: analyzing, testing, learning, and optimizing. On this site, you’ll find straightforward articles, honest insights, and a bit of humor or irony here and there. When I’m not at the keyboard, I’m usually out on a bike trail or checking out a new golf course. And when I’m not doing that, I’m somewhere on the road with my wife and our two sons.

See Full Bio