Michigan Republicans propose a ban on VPN usage statewide, restricting adult manga and more

Michigan Republicans have proposed sweeping legislation that would ban not only adult online content but also prohibit all VPN usage throughout the state. The Anticorruption of Public Morals Act represents one of the most comprehensive internet restriction bills in the U.S., targeting everything from AI-generated content to manga and potentially criminalizing privacy tools that millions of Americans use daily.

What you should know: The bill goes far beyond typical content restrictions, creating a framework that could fundamentally alter internet access in Michigan.

• Six Republican representatives introduced the legislation on September 11, seeking to ban adult content ranging from ASMR and adult manga to AI content and any depiction of transgender people.
• Unlike other state laws, this bill applies to all Michigan residents—both adults and children—rather than focusing solely on age verification.
• Internet service providers would be required to detect and block VPN usage, with potential fines reaching up to $500,000.

Why this matters: The VPN ban could affect far more people than those seeking adult content, potentially criminalizing common privacy and security practices.

• VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are widely used by professionals, businesses, and privacy-conscious individuals to protect data on public Wi-Fi, prevent ISP tracking, and maintain online anonymity.
• The legislation includes language that could ban “any method of bypassing internet filters or restrictions,” creating uncertainty around legitimate privacy tools.
• Similar content bans in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and the UK have driven users to rely on VPNs as workarounds—a practice this bill specifically aims to eliminate.

In plain English: VPNs work like a secure tunnel for your internet connection, making it appear as if you’re browsing from a different location while encrypting your data. They’re commonly used by remote workers, travelers, and anyone wanting to keep their online activity private from their internet provider or potential hackers.

The big picture: Michigan’s approach represents a significant escalation in state-level internet regulation, combining content restrictions with unprecedented surveillance requirements.

• The bill requires ISPs to actively monitor and block VPN traffic, a technical challenge that could affect network performance and user privacy.
• The legislation’s broad scope could serve as a template for similar proposals in other states, potentially creating a patchwork of internet restrictions across the country.

Current status: The Anticorruption of Public Morals Act has not yet advanced through Michigan’s legislative process.

• The bill has not passed the Michigan House of Representatives committee nor been voted on by the Michigan Senate.
• Support appears limited to the six Republican representatives who proposed the legislation, though the full extent of backing remains unclear.
• The Michigan ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the proposed legislation.