Michigan’s new bill sparks outrage: VPNs, adult content, even Manga at risk

Michigan may soon make it illegal to use a VPN if a new bill passes, Sept. 11, Michigan Republican representatives. The bill is called the Anticorruption of Public Morals Act and is proposed by six Republican representatives.

It aims to ban a wide range of adult content online, including ASMR, adult manga, AI-generated content, and any depiction of transgender people. VPNs would also be banned under the bill, whether they are made in the US or abroad, as reported by CNET.

VPN ban in Michigan

VPNs are tools that let people access the internet as if they are in another location, often used to bypass content restrictions in other states and countries like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and the UK.


Michigan’s bill would force internet service providers to detect and block VPNs and ban the sale of VPNs in the state. Fines for breaking the law could reach $500,000, as stated by CNET report.

Impact on users and privacy

Unlike some laws that only target adults or certain content, this bill applies to all Michigan residents, adults and children, and targets almost any adult content and bypass tools. With the VPN a favourite among anonymous web geeks and investigators alike, with its ability to counter ISP tracking, and concealing identity, the law significantly affects its users.

Apart from the six Republican sponsors, the bill has few takers as of now. The Michigan House committee hasn’t passed the bill, and the Senate is yet to vote on it. Historically, state bills like this can inspire similar laws in other states, meaning its impact could extend beyond Michigan, according to the report by CNET.

FAQs

Q1. Will Michigan ban VPNs soon?
Yes, a new bill proposes banning all VPNs in Michigan, but it has not passed the House or Senate yet.

Q2. What adult content could be banned in Michigan?
The bill targets ASMR, adult manga, AI content, and any depiction of transgender people for all residents.