Editorial Note: This report has been amended to reflect updated information. AVN previously reported erroneously that AB 105 was amended to remove provisions related to virtual private networks. AVN regrets the error.
MADISON, Wis.—State lawmakers are poised to adopt an age-verification law that prohibits web traffic associated with virtual private networks (VPNs), a common tool for consumers to circumvent statewide content blocks imposed by companies like Aylo.
AB 105 is a standard age-verification measure, but it went viral because of a provision in the bill that prohibits VPN traffic. Amendments were made earlier this week to reflect updates to the language, including clarification that virtual private networks and virtual private network providers are covered by the traffic prohibition.
If adopted, the bill would made Wisconsin the first state in the union to prohibit the use of a VPN for privacy purposes, punishable by fines. Outrage over the provision was nearly immediate.
It is likely that AB 105 will be adopted by the state legislature and signed into law by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita recently sued Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub.com, for not blocking VPN traffic despite no explicit prohibition.
A common argument from opponents of age-verification laws is that such laws are essentially ineffective because VPNs can circumvent content blocks. AVN previously confirmed with an Aylo spokesperson that all IP addresses in Indiana remain blocked because the company has withdrawn from Indiana.
