The ripple effects of a VPN ban

Michigan and Wisconsin are considering proposals that would ban the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) by requiring internet providers to block these encrypted connections. The stated rationale is to control how users access certain online materials, but such a ban would upend the technical foundation of modern work, learning, and communication far beyond any single issue.

VPNs are not simply niche tools or workarounds. They’re the invisible infrastructure that underpins the security, productivity, and connectivity of countless institutions and individuals worldwide. If states implement a broad VPN ban, the day-to-day operations of businesses, schools, and residents would be severely affected.

The wide reliance on VPNs

Nearly every organization, from large multinational tech companies to small accounting firms, relies on VPNs to protect sensitive operations. In a world of distributed teams, cloud-based applications, and bring-your-own-device workplaces, the only way to keep sensitive company data secure as it moves across public networks is through encrypted VPN connections.

Cloud computing forms the foundation of most business activities. Whether employees are accessing files, databases, or proprietary applications, they often do so through the cloud. Remote workers, traveling employees, or anyone logging in from outside the office requires a VPN to establish a secure connection and protect their activity and the company’s sensitive assets from cyberthreats. Removing VPNs cuts the essential link between remote users and their digital workspace.

The consequences would be immediate and serious: Companies would need to recall staff to physical offices, risking the loss of talent and drops in productivity, or shifting entire operations to more tech-friendly locations. For smaller businesses without the resources to handle these sudden challenges, the impact could be existential.

VPNs are as essential to educational institutions as they are to businesses. Universities, colleges, and even K-12 districts use VPNs to allow students and faculty to access research databases, library archives, and administrative systems from anywhere in the world. The University of Michigan’s own VPN is a crucial tool that enables students and staff to connect securely even when using non-university internet providers.

A ban would prevent students from doing coursework remotely, block faculty from accessing grading portals or academic data anywhere off campus, and make it extremely difficult for school IT teams to maintain security. Academic collaboration—both with colleagues at other institutions within the state and with international peers—would be hindered, isolating campuses at a time when global connectivity has never been more important.

Losing critical privacy and access

For regular internet users, VPNs are a fundamental privacy and security tool similar to having a phone number or locking your mailbox. They prevent third parties from tracking your activity, profiling your location, or creating a detailed record of your browsing history. Public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, or hotels remains a top target for attackers. VPNs mitigate many of these risks, providing users with an important layer of protection.

Users traveling across states or countries rely on VPNs to securely access their home services, bank accounts, and private communications. Freelancers, consultants, medical professionals, and legal experts—anyone who frequently moves between client sites—would be unable to securely connect to their own files or confidential portals.

From a purely technical perspective, attempts to restrict VPNs create problems that are much bigger than the ones they claim to fix. Websites cannot reliably tell whether a VPN connection is coming from a particular state or even another country. If just a few states ban VPNs, sites that face legal risks are likely to block all VPN access globally to avoid accidental violations. This means VPN users everywhere could lose access to vital sites and services simply because of a law in one state. Such broad effects show how a technical policy, made without understanding operational realities, can cause widespread disruption across the internet.

Productivity and security at risk

The unintended consequences of a VPN ban reach well beyond state borders and far beyond the original lawmaking intentions. Without VPNs:

Businesses lose the option of remote work—and with it, the flexibility and efficiency today’s economy requires.

Educational institutions and students are cut off from essential resources and collaboration tools.

Everyday users are exposed to cyberthreats, tracking, and data breaches when using public networks.

Vulnerable populations, such as journalists, advocates, and individuals relying on privacy for their safety, are deprived of vital digital protections.

Additionally, VPNs are the foundation of many compliance systems, including those overseeing financial data, health records, and legal documents. A ban could lead to legal and regulatory issues for companies trying to stay in good standing.

Informed policy and practical solutions

The debates in Michigan and Wisconsin over VPN access aren’t just about a single technology. They grapple with how societies balance security, productivity, privacy, and economic competitiveness in the digital age. Instead of limiting key security tools, states should focus on promoting cybersecurity education, strengthening tech infrastructure, and implementing smart digital policies that acknowledge the vital role VPNs play in modern life.

The digital world requires thoughtful legislation that helps people and organizations thrive online rather than broad bans that make the internet less useful, secure, and productive for everyone. If Wisconsin and Michigan truly aim to attract business, research, and innovation, maintaining secure, private, and open access to essential technologies like VPNs is a key step.