The ShinyHunters extortion gang has claimed responsibility for a data breach at Odido, a major Dutch telecommunications provider, asserting they stole nearly 21 million user records. Odido had previously disclosed the breach on February 12, stating that attackers gained access to its customer contact system on February 7 and downloaded personal data of many users, initially reporting 6.2 million affected customers. The exposed information may include full names, addresses, mobile numbers, email

Lawmakers in Wisconsin and Michigan are proposing legislation to ban or restrict VPN usage, primarily in response to people using VPNs to bypass age verification laws for online content. Critics argue that such bans are technically unfeasible, threaten privacy and security for legitimate uses (like remote work, accessing educational resources, and protecting vulnerable individuals), and could lead to mass surveillance.

The Philippines has been ranked 109th out of 171 countries in a global internet censorship index, indicating a mix of open access and limitations. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is facing criticism for its enforcement actions, including website takedowns and platform blocking, which have raised concerns among digital rights advocates regarding online freedom and the legality of VPNs.

Iran has imposed new restrictions on internet access, further limiting VPN connections and reportedly targeting Starlink users, leading to a significant drop in connectivity. Users are finding it difficult to access global networks and even some domestic websites.

Internet access across the Republic of the Congo was abruptly disrupted on Sunday as citizens headed to polling stations for the presidential election. This internet blackout is described as a calculated instrument of political control, undermining the transparency of the electoral process by isolating the electorate from global and local social media platforms. International human rights organizations and democratic monitoring bodies have raised alarms, warning that such measures often precede

Australia's new online age-restriction laws, which came into effect on Monday, March 9, have led to a significant increase in Virtual Private Network (VPN) downloads and the blocking of major pornography websites for Australian users. The legislation requires websites distributing adult content to verify users are over 18 and mandates age checks for 18+ apps. This move follows Australia's earlier ban on social media for teenagers and includes fines for non-compliance. VPNs are being used by Aust

Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly addressed the Kremlin's recent restrictions against Telegram and the resulting complaints about battlefield communication issues. The Kremlin is intensifying its efforts to prevent Russians from using foreign platforms and virtual private networks (VPNs). Putin and a Russian communications battalion commander claimed that the use of foreign communication systems poses a danger to Russian forces, aiming to validate future Telegram bans.

The European Union's proposed European Democracy Shield is being criticized as a potential 'powerful censorship regime' that could undermine free speech online. The initiative, intended to defend elections and counter disinformation, would establish a European Centre for Democratic Resilience to monitor political speech. Critics argue that this, combined with existing regulations like the Digital Services Act, grants EU regulators unprecedented power over online content, potentially leading to s

Reports suggesting the rollback of Pakistan's 'firewall' due to internet quality issues were denied by the IT ministry, which confirmed the system remains fully functional amidst ongoing digital surveillance and censorship.

Iranians attempting to access the global internet are facing threats of criminal prosecution as a 'near-complete' digital blackout enters its second week. Local authorities and telecom operators are reportedly issuing direct warnings via SMS to citizens who have used VPNs to circumvent ongoing restrictions. These messages warn that repeated attempts to connect to the international internet will result in blocks and cases being referred to judicial authorities, directly impacting internet users'

A proposed surveillance bill in the U.S. Congress, which reportedly has bipartisan support, threatens to eliminate online anonymity. Critics argue that stripping anonymity would lead to unprecedented mass surveillance and censorship, endangering whistleblowers, government employees, and activists by allowing them to be tracked and identified. This development is seen as a significant rollback of civil rights and a threat to fundamental freedoms in the digital age.

A recent study has brought to light extensive website blocking by Indian Internet Service Providers (ISPs), with over 43,000 web domains being blocked. These blockages, often implemented through court orders, government directives, and private complaints, raise significant concerns regarding transparency, proportionality, and legal oversight within India's internet censorship mechanisms.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) reported that Wisconsin lawmakers have removed a provision banning VPN services from Senate Bill 130 / Assembly Bill 105 following significant public pushback. While the removal of the VPN ban is a positive step for digital rights, the EFF continues to oppose the bill and urges Governor Tony Evers to veto it. This development highlights ongoing legislative attempts to restrict internet users' access to privacy tools like VPNs, which are crucial for mainta

Lawmakers in US states like Wisconsin and Michigan are proposing legislation to ban the use of VPNs as a means to enforce age verification laws, particularly for content deemed 'sexual content.' For example, Wisconsin's A.B. 105/S.B. 130 would require websites to implement age verification and block VPN users, potentially expanding the definition of 'harmful to minors' to include a broad range of content. Critics argue that such bans would not effectively stop those determined to bypass restrict

A Russian court has fined Google over 22 million roubles ($288,000) for distributing VPN services on its Google Play app store. This action comes as VPNs allow Russians to access foreign tech platforms and content that the country has banned or restricted.