Danish Government Reverses Course on VPN Restrictions
The Danish government has announced the withdrawal of a contentious legislative proposal that sought to limit the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for accessing content not available within Denmark. The decision, made public on Monday, December 15, 2025, by Minister for Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt, comes after widespread criticism from privacy advocates and the public.
Initial Proposal Aimed at Combating Piracy
The original draft law, put forward by the Ministry of Culture, was part of a broader effort to strengthen copyright protection and combat online piracy. It aimed to prevent users from bypassing geographic restrictions on streaming services or circumventing blocks on illegal websites. The proposal explicitly stated that it would be forbidden to use VPNs for these purposes, with potential violations leading to fines. Authorities argued that evolving technology necessitated adjustments to existing legal frameworks to ensure effective enforcement against illicit streaming and copyrighted material access.
Public Outcry and Digital Rights Concerns
The legislative initiative sparked a significant backlash, with critics warning that the measures could infringe upon online privacy and digital freedom. Privacy advocates highlighted that VPNs are essential tools for safeguarding personal data and enhancing online security, not solely for accessing geo-restricted entertainment. Concerns were raised that the broad wording of the bill could have far-reaching consequences, potentially making it difficult to market and legitimately use VPN services across Denmark.
Minister Engel-Schmidt Cites Misunderstanding and Clarification
In response to the mounting criticism, Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt clarified the government's stance, stating, 'I do not support making VPNs illegal and I have never proposed to do so.' He acknowledged that the bill's text was 'not formulated precisely enough' and decided to remove the section pertaining to VPNs from the proposal to eliminate any doubt about the government's intentions. The Minister emphasized that the original intent was to target illegal streaming and downloading of copyrighted material, not to outlaw VPN use itself.
Next Steps for the Legislation
The bill, now without the controversial VPN restrictions, remains at the hearing stage and is yet to be finalized and debated in parliament. This reversal marks a significant moment for digital rights in Denmark, demonstrating the impact of public and expert pressure on legislative processes concerning internet freedoms. The broader context of Denmark's digital policy has seen previous discussions around stringent measures, including involvement in the EU's 'Chat Control' bill.
5 Comments
Noir Black
Classic government overreach trying to sneak this past us.
Katchuka
Smart move to drop this. VPNs are essential tools, not just for piracy.
Loubianka
The government's intention to fight piracy is understandable, but the broad scope of the original VPN ban was a clear overreach. This reversal is a positive step, yet the underlying issues of digital surveillance remain.
Comandante
Minister Engel-Schmidt's clarification is welcome, but the imprecise wording of the bill could have had serious consequences for legitimate VPN users. Future legislation must be drafted with greater care and foresight regarding digital freedoms.
Leonardo
While it's good they dropped the VPN restrictions, the initial proposal shows a worrying trend towards controlling online access. We need better ways to combat piracy without sacrificing privacy.