A new law in Utah is raising concerns among VPN users and tech experts. Lawmakers have approved rules that impact how websites handle age verification and how Virtual Private Networks fit into that process.

This move follows a growing trend where governments try to enforce stricter controls on online content. However, instead of focusing only on websites, this law also affects the tools people use to protect their privacy.

What Is Utah’s New Law Targeting VPNs?

Utah Senate Bill 73, also called the “Online Age Verification Amendments,” was signed into law in March 2026. Some parts of the law focus on taxes for adult content platforms, but the biggest concern involves VPN usage.

This legislation builds on a wave of similar age verification laws that aim to restrict access to certain online content.

The VPN-related section takes effect on May 6, 2026, and introduces new rules for websites that host content deemed harmful to minors.

How the VPN Rules Work

The law states that users are treated as being in Utah based on their real-world location. This applies even if someone uses a VPN or proxy service to mask their IP address.

In simple terms, hiding your location does not change how the law applies. Websites that host adult content are not allowed to:

This creates a situation where platforms may avoid discussing VPNs entirely to reduce legal risk.

Why This Creates a Problem

The law requires websites to verify the age of anyone physically located in Utah. The issue is that detecting a user’s real location through a VPN is not reliable.

Because of this, websites may respond in two ways:

• Block all known VPN traffic
• Require strict age verification for all users

Either option could affect millions of users, including those outside Utah.

Real-World Impact for Users

This law may not stop determined users, but it could affect regular people who rely on VPNs for everyday use.

For many people, VPNs are not just optional tools but part of their daily routine. Changes like this could impact how they work, stream, and browse safely.

This could affect:

• Streamers who use VPNs for privacy
• Remote workers accessing secure networks
• Journalists and researchers protecting sources
• Anyone trying to avoid data tracking

Many users depend on VPNs to keep their internet activity private. Increased restrictions could make that more difficult.

Is This a VPN Ban?

No, the law does not ban VPN usage outright. Instead, it discourages their use by placing responsibility on websites and limiting how VPNs can be discussed.

This approach may lead to fewer accessible options rather than a direct restriction on the tools themselves.

Utah is one of the first states to take this approach, but it may not be the last. Similar discussions are happening in other regions, both in the United States and abroad.

If more laws follow this model, users could see wider changes in how websites handle access, privacy, and verification.

Final Thoughts

Utah’s SB 73 highlights the growing tension between online safety efforts and user privacy. While the goal is to limit access to certain content, the method introduces new challenges for both websites and users.

For now, VPNs remain legal and widely used. However, changes like this suggest that the way people access and protect their data online may continue to shift.

This article was originally published by the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

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