Last updated on November 20th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
I understand, I understand, I see, guys, you have read somewhere about some crazy newspaper news about banning VPNs and you want to know whether you are about to be arrested because you use it. I would spare you the panic situation by stating that VPNs are entirely legal in the United States.
No Fed statute states that you cannot use one. Actually, even the FBI suggests the usage of VPN in order to have better privacy on the Internet.
But this is where it becomes interesting – and somewhat messy.
Table of Contents
So Why All the Confusion?
The point is as follows: the use of VPNs is legal in all states, however, legislation in certain states, such as Wisconsin and Michigan, may limit the usage of the VPNs in this or that situation, especially in relation to age verification in various cases.
The State Assembly edition of the bill in Wisconsin has already approved the bill and is in transit in the Senate, which would make it become the first state to restrict access to VPNs on certain content.
This is what I delved into, as it sounded insane. It turns out to be something other than standalone VPN banning, though these are associated with websites age checks. The problem? The legislation may compel websites to censor any VPN traffic in the world and evade legal penalties, and that is absurd.
Who Uses VPNs? (And Legally).
You might be asking yourself before you assume that this is simply about a group of individuals focusing on breaking the laws before their eyes that among those who use VPNs on a daily basis include:
Remote workers – Businesses want employees to use VPN so that they can safely access corporate network at home or when traveling. The telework literally needs it in the US government.
Everyone on governmental Wi-Fi – Coffee shop regular? VPNs will ensure that your traffic is encrypted on an insecure network in a cafe, airport or hotel to avoid hackers spying on your information.
The privacy concerned individuals – VPNs block your IP addresses and keep the ISP, advertisers, and third parties off your trail of activity.
Medical personnel – HIPAA healthcare legislation may demand VPN use to access patient data outside the medical facility.
Currently, approximately 43-percent of Americans use VPNs and the market is worth a huge $23 billion. This is not a niche technology, but it is the normal practice in security.
The Catch (Because There Is Always One).
With VPN, you do not have permission to go out and commit crimes. Such actions as copyright violation, hacking, or viewing illegal material can be prosecuted even in case of the VPN. VPN only encrypts your traffic, it is not like you are no longer visible by the police because in fact you are committing an offense.
In addition, infringement of the terms of the streaming service by taking geo-blocked content? That is not a crime, but may result in an account suspension. Not criminal, but contrary to their regulations.
What’s Next?
The proposals at the state level are still in middle of getting passed through the legislatures and, frankly speaking, they are making a giant mess. Such prohibitions have been cautioned to form a disaster to all people by organizations such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation over the fact that these measures pose a threat to millions of innocent users – journalists, students, and victims of abuse using VPN as a protective measure against security threats.
At present, it is quite legal to use VPN in the USA. Simple use it in a legal manner and you are all okay. Monitor the status of your state in the event you happen to be in the state of Wisconsin or Michigan, but not to be on the panic front. The technology is here to stay,although a few legislators are making commotion about it.
FAQs
Is it illegal to use a VPN in the USA?
No. VPNs are not illegal in the United States and there would be no federal or state laws which would outlaw their use in 2025. Nevertheless, certain states, such as Wisconsin and Michigan, even presented the bills into the legislation according to which the use of VPNs would be limited in certain situations connected with the restriction of rights to the age verification.
Violence through the use of VPN will in no way make those activities legal, still, it is within the provisions of the law to use it in a legitimate manner.
Can I get in trouble for using a VPN?
There is no trouble with using a VPN. However, there are legal ramifications of using a VPN to commit such illegitimate acts as copyright violation, hacking into resources, or logging into illicit resources.
Bypassing the restrictions on a resource provider (such as geo-blocked streaming media) using a VPN may cost you your account, but that is not the offense being criminal.
How do age verification laws affect VPN usage?
The age verification laws of some states such as Wisconsin and Michigan suggest barring the use of VPN to stop users against age verification. The problem with these laws is that VPN detection is not flawless and that the platforms will have to block all VPN traffic worldwide to avoid any of these violations.
This endangers the lives of millions of the same, including staff working remotely, reporters, students, and victims of abuse. After the introduction of similar requirements in the UK, the use of VPN increased 1,400% in the UK.
Also Read: Best Cheap VPN Routers in 2025: Maximum Protection Without the Premium Price
I’m a technology writer with a passion for AI and digital marketing. I create engaging and useful content that bridges the gap between complex technology concepts and digital technologies. My writing makes the process easy and curious. and encourage participation I continue to research innovation and technology. Let’s connect and talk technology! LinkedIn for more insights and collaboration opportunities: