France is tightening rules around social media access for under-15s, and the conversation has already drifted to the next “solution” on the political checklist: VPNs. One French official even framed it bluntly, suggesting VPNs are next to be evaluated as part of enforcing youth protections online.

If your first reaction is “Wait, what?”, you’re not alone. 

But the bigger issue is this: VPNs are not some niche bypass gadget. They are basic internet safety infrastructure. Treating them like contraband is like trying to reduce speeding by banning seatbelts. en savoir plus...