Could the RESTRICT Act (S. 686) Criminalize the Use of VPNs? (Yes)

Reason ^ | 3.29.2023 9:49 AM | ELIZABETH NOLAN BROWN

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Would the RESTRICT Act—a.k.a. the TikTok ban bill—criminalize the use of VPNs? That's the rumor floating around about the legislation, which was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Mark Warner (D–Va.) earlier this month. Warner's office has said his bill wouldn't do this… but its broad language leaves room for doubt. And the act is still insanely far-reaching and could have a huge range of deleterious effects, even if it doesn't criminalize people using a VPN to access TikTok.

VPN stands for virtual private network, and there are several different kinds, but their general aim is the same: keeping your digital activities and location private. Using a VPN with your computer, phone, or another internet-enabled device can do things like mask your I.P. address and encrypt your internet connection. It's a great way to get around location-based firewalls (a.k.a. geoblocking) and other forms of internet censorship.

For this reason, VPNs are popular in countries that exercise authoritarian control over what their citizens can access online. It's sad that this contingent could soon include U.S. citizens, but include us it does, as both Republicans and Democrats get more and more gung-ho about banning the popular video platform TikTok.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R–Mo.) introduced one TikTok ban bill back in January. Hawley's bill would direct the president to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to specifically "block and prohibit all transactions" and to "prevent commercial operation of" TikTok parent company ByteDance in the U.S.

The latest legislation is more extensive—and even more invasive.

[Brian Griffin]

Big Brother DC is worried that TikTok may not be a reliable team player.

[Brian Griffin]

I remember about 15 years ago when the Venice, FL police swarmed down on a teenage girl who thought electronic communication was not traceable.

[gibsonguy]

What does it look like in the House?

[justme4now]

It starts at the 10 minute Mark!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v3ngiOIUy28

[markman46]

Criminalizing a vpn will cause lots of companies problems

[musicman]

Less Than $702 To Go!!
Help FR Continue the Conservative Fight!
Your Monthly and Quarterly Donations
Help To Keep FR In The Battle !!

Sponsoring FReepers are contributing
$10 Each time a New Monthly Donor signs up!
Get more bang for your FR buck!
Click Here To Sign Up Now!

[GOPJ]

The most totalitarian bill - the real people behind this are the evil ones. Find out who they are and out them... and no it’s NOT anyone elected to office.

[lastchance]

More people need to be aware of this.

[MAGAthon]

thanx for the Watters’ video. Lindsey Graham looks scared.

[gitmo]

You bet your sweet bippie.

[musicman]

BTTT!!!

[Bikkuri]

I am on a VPN about 95% of my internet time.

[OSHA]

RE Committee chart:

I see 14 Dems and 1/2 of a Republican (Cotton)

[Bratch]

Epic Live TV – Jesse Waters Tells Senator Lindsey Graham He’s Listed as a Co-Sponsor on the Restrict Act – Graham Has No Idea

March 29, 2023 | Sundance | 284 Comments

This is a little funny, and simultaneously very sad.  Folks, this is the state of legislative affairs in Washington DC, this is exactly what it was like when I was asking these types of questions.  Senator Lindsey Graham is listed as one of the Republican co-sponsors for Senate Bill 686, the Restrict Act, aka the TikTok ban act.

Fox News host Jesse Waters goes through the bill on live television and then asks Senator Graham why he co-sponsors it.  Lindsey Graham has no idea. {Direct Rumble Link} – WATCH:

This is exactly what it is like talking to republicans in the House and Senate.