The Wisconsin State Senate is scheduled to vote tomorrow on a controversial bill, S.B. 130 / A.B. 105, that opponents say would effectively ban the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and significantly curtail online privacy for residents. The bill, which already passed the State Assembly on March 17, 2025, mandates age verification for access to websites containing content deemed “material harmful to minors.”
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has sent a letter to the entire Wisconsin Legislature urging lawmakers to reject the bill, arguing It’s “technically unworkable” and represents a dangerous overreach of government power. According to the EFF, the legislation requires websites to block users connecting via VPNs, tools widely used for cybersecurity by businesses, journalists, and individuals seeking to protect their online activity.
A central concern raised by the EFF and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin is the practical difficulty of identifying VPN users within the state. Websites, to avoid potential liability, may be forced to block access for all Wisconsin residents or implement nationwide restrictions. The ACLU of Wisconsin highlights that the bill could require users to submit government-issued identification, biometric data, or financial information to verify their age, creating significant privacy risks.
Representative Joy Goeben (R- Hobart) and Senator Van Wanggaard (R- Racine) authored the legislation. The ACLU of Wisconsin states the bill allows individuals to file lawsuits alleging content is “obscene,” potentially leading to increased censorship and legal challenges for website operators.
The EFF argues that the bill’s definition of “harmful to minors” is overly broad, extending beyond explicit adult sexual material to include content that merely depicts or describes sexual activity. This expansive definition, the organization contends, could lead to the over-censorship of lawful speech and create a chilling effect on online expression. The bill’s requirements for data collection, combined with the vague language regarding prohibited content, raise concerns about potential data breaches and constitutional violations.
According to the legislative record, Senate Bill 130 aims to create a new statute, 100.76, relating to the distribution of certain material on the Internet. The bill’s passage through the Assembly has intensified debate over the balance between protecting children online and safeguarding fundamental rights to privacy and free speech.
