The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is under scrutiny due to recent government warnings and bans on adult content. As governments crack down on online anonymity, people are turning to VPNs to protect their digital privacy.
Experts warn that governments’ efforts to regulate VPN usage will ultimately compromise digital freedom. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) says: “Attacks on VPNs are attacks on digital privacy and digital freedom.” They argue that governments have no idea how this technology works and are taking an uninformed stance.
The surge in VPN installations is largely driven by the recent TikTok ban and porn bans, which have exposed VPNs as a means to bypass restrictions. The debate around age verification laws has also fueled the discussion on data privacy and security risks linked to age assurance methods.
As a result, government agencies are reiterating warnings about using personal VPNs, citing concerns over their security and privacy policies. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advises users not to use personal VPNs, saying they can shift residual risks from internet service providers to the VPN provider.
The impending ban on adult content in Missouri has already seen a surge in VPN searches, with Google Trends data showing a quadrupled search volume. As governments consider further restrictions on VPN usage, experts warn that this will only lead to more breaches and compromises of digital privacy.
“We already know how this story ends,” says the EFF. “Companies get hacked, data gets breached, and suddenly your real name is attached to the websites you visited.” With the consequences of using a VPN looming large, users must consider the risks and take necessary precautions to protect their online activities.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/11/30/stop-using-your-vpn-feds-warn-iphone-and-android-users