If you’re in Michigan, brace yourself: a new bill might soon make it illegal for you to use a VPN. On September 11, a group of Republican legislators introduced a sweeping proposal aimed at banning a variety of adult content on the internet.
This bill, known as the Anticorruption of Public Morals Act, is being championed by six Republican representatives. It takes a hard stance against numerous types of online content, including ASMR videos, adult manga, AI-generated material, and any representations of transgender individuals. On top of that, it seeks to prohibit all VPNs, whether they’re from within the US or elsewhere.
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VPNs, or virtual private networks, are tools that help keep your online activity under wraps. Folks use them to bypass internet filters and repressive content laws like those we’ve seen enacted in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and even the UK. Users can easily download VPN services on their devices—phones, laptops, routers, etc.
However, if this Michigan bill gets enacted, internet service providers would be tasked with not only catching VPN usage but also outright banning the sales of VPN services throughout the state. Violators could be slapped with fines that soar to $500,000.
Impacts of the VPN Ban
This isn’t just any other bill; it has far-reaching implications. Its effects would touch every Michigander, regardless of age, since it targets a seemingly limitless array of online content and might even extend to blocking all alternatives for fleeing internet restrictions.
Such measures could pose serious issues for fans of VPNs and other internet users who rely on these services to enhance their privacy, shield their identities, block snooping from ISPs, or keep their devices safer while connected to public Wi-Fi.
Further Reading:CNET Survey: Nearly Half of Americans Use VPNs. This Number Might Climb Even Higher!
Legislation like this might lead to some unexpected consequences. John Perrino, a leading policy advisor from the nonprofit organization Internet Society, told CNET that such adult content restrictions might impact everything from the music available for streaming to essential health-focused forums and sexual education resources.
“Additionally, compliance with state-imposed age verification laws can be burdensome for smaller platforms, stifling competition and threatening the openness of the internet,” Perrino explained.
The Anticorruption of Public Morals Act has yet to make its way through Michigan’s legislative channels—the bill has not yet cleared the Michigan House Committee or been voted on by the Senate. The level of support beyond its six sponsors remains uncertain. As we’ve observed with other state-level laws, such proposals could influence similar initiatives in different states.
Could VPNs Bypass Such Restrictions?
Interestingly, you might wonder if VPNs can still operate under such a ban. That’s a tricky question that this proposed law doesn’t inherently tackle.
On a technical level, ISPs could try to identify VPN traffic using deep packet inspection or by blocking IP addresses linked with VPN services, explains NordVPN privacy expert Laura Tyrylyte. “However, executing such measures effectively is costly and complex, making widespread VPN blocking a formidable task.”
Moreover, VPN providers have adapted and devised strategies to sidestep deep packet inspections and similar methods to restrain their functionality.
According to CNET Senior Editor Moe Long, “Various VPNs offer obfuscation—this helps mask VPN traffic as regular web data with specialized servers or particular VPN protocols, similar to NordVPN’s NordWhisper and Proton VPN’s Stealth.”Keep in mind that while obfuscation adds a layer of disguise, it is not entirely foolproof.
Numerous VPNs also make no-log commitments, claiming not to record user activity, and audit procedures from third party organizations like Deloitte strengthen that credibility. Yet, it doesn’t guarantee bulletproof privacy. There are also advanced server techniques in use, such as RAM-dedicated servers that clear all data after shutting down or rebooting.
If keeping your data private is a priority, look for these types of features when choosing a VPN and explore whether they suit your needs. It’s events like this that remind us to stay sharp about the various functionalities of different VPNs while we conduct our tests and recommend effective options—whether for fast internet access or security during travels.
First published on Sept. 18, 2025, at 12:59 p.m. PT.
