The VPN Boom: Soaring Usage and Legal Debates

 

 

 

 

Exponential Growth in Usage: Demand for VPN services has skyrocketed, with a reported 7,000% increase in global searches during 2025.

This growth is attributed to increased privacy awareness, new internet age verification laws, and restrictions or censorship in some regions.

Debates on Legal Regulation: The legal status of VPNs is a hot topic.

In the UK, a possible ban or stricter regulation has been raised following the surge in their use.

The European Union is debating whether VPNs hinder the enforcement of certain laws, such as the Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into full force in June 2025, or whether they pose risks to digital rights.

Organizations like LaLiga in Spain are lobbying for the regulation of VPNs and DNS services at the European level to combat content piracy.

In Spain, to date, VPN use remains completely legal to protect online privacy and security.

Cybersecurity Advances: The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly.

In 2025, an increase in advanced threats has been observed, including AI-powered malware and attacks from state actors.

Leading VPN providers, such as NordVPN and Surfshark, are focused on offering robust security features, such as double VPN and malware blockers, to counter these threats.

Nationwide Blocking Tests: Russia has successfully conducted tests to completely block access to the global internet and disable VPNs within its borders, illustrating the efforts of some countries to control the flow of information.

Performance and Quality of Service: The 2025 benchmarks focus on VPN speed, security, and compatibility with streaming and torrenting services. Users are warned about the privacy risks associated with free VPNs, and are recommended to opt for paid services that offer greater guarantees.

Source: www.hateltech.com