French authorities could ban Google and Apple from offering virtual private network (VPN) apps on their respective app stores under a controversial new bill.
On Sept. 30, lawmakers from France’s center-right Horizons political party proposed amendments to address security gaps in the widely debated SREN Bill.
“This amendment aims to raise awareness about the issue of virtual private networks (commonly called VPNs) that offer their users the ability to bypass all French and European regulations on the Internet,” a translation of the proposed amendment reads.
SREN Bill and the Proposed Amendment
The SREN Bill — designed to fight scams and cyberbullying, and protect children from pornography and other harmful content — could compel browsers and DNS resolvers to block access to web pages. However, lawmakers are concerned individuals can circumvent the provisions of the bill by using a VPN to spoof their location.
“Software application shops [must] ensure that mobile virtual private network applications they offer, for consideration or free of charge, do not allow access to an internet network not subject to French or European legislation and regulations,” the proposed amendment reads.
This means that Google and Apple must ensure the VPNs on their app stores do not allow users to connect to servers outside of Europe — a nearly impossible feat.
The lawmakers admit the “technical impossibility of regulating the use of VPNs.” However, they explain that the goal is “to highlight this issue in order to eventually find a relevant and effective technical solution.”
News of the SREN Bill and the proposal to prohibit the use of VPNs in France has come as a shock to privacy experts and netizens, with many voicing dissent and warning that this could set a wrong precedent.
In an email shared with VPNOverview, a spokesperson from CyberGhost noted that while French lawmakers have legitimate concerns, banning VPNs is not the solution.
“Recent discussions surrounding the potential ban of VPNs from application stores in France show a worrying disregard for the critical role VPNs play in enabling individuals to protect their digital privacy and access the internet freely,” CyberGhost’s spokesperson said.
“We urge the French government to reconsider any measures that would effectively ban VPNs from application stores. Instead, continued discussions are needed to find solutions that address legitimate security concerns while upholding the principles of digital privacy and freedom.”
Meanwhile, French politician Florian Philippot has also expressed disapproval of the decision to ban VPNs.
“Crazy! These obsessive Macronist deputies are trying again to ban VPNs in France, this time on the App Store and Google Play! The #SREN law, as expected, is a collection of measures that are increasingly restrictive and nonsensical. The Macronists hate freedom of expression and thought! They all need to go, quickly! Freedom!” Philippot wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Road Ahead
The debate surrounding VPNs and their place in the digital world continues to rage. VPNs are generally legal across the globe, barring a few countries like China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia, where they are outlawed or tightly regulated.
The SREN bill, which has already been approved by the upper house of France’s parliament, could have far-reaching implications for the country’s netizens if adopted.
While many people only use VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions and stream content from other parts of the world, it has many legitimate uses and is a vital tool for protecting free speech and internet freedom. Read our guide to the advantages of a VPN to learn more.
Curious about how VPNs work? If you’re in France, take a look at our top VPNs for Europe for some suggestions.
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