Critics warn the vaguely worded proposal could have a chilling effect on internet freedom

The Danish government has ignited a firestorm of criticism after proposing a new bill that would make it illegal to use a VPN to access geoblocked streaming content or bypass restrictions on illegal websites.

The proposal, which is part of a larger legislative effort to combat online piracy, has alarmed digital rights advocates who fear it could have far-reaching consequences for internet freedom in the country.

The proposal was immediately condemned by privacy advocates. Jesper Lund, chairman of the IT Political Association, expressed deep concern over the bill’s ambiguous language, stating it has a “totalitarian feel to it.”

“Even in Russia, it is not punishable to bypass illegal websites with a VPN,” Lund told Danish broadcaster DR, pointing out that the proposed Danish law could go further than measures seen in more authoritarian states.

  • phutatorius@lemmy.zip
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    2 days ago

    So: center-left party adopts far-right authoritarianism and xenophobia. See also: UK Labour Party.

    Should I call this racism?

    Yes, because that’s plainly what it is. The rest is just a set of pretexts.

    • biofaust@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      Yes, it is obviously racism. But I also think that racism is endemic in simple societies.

      I am watching Pluribus and I can recognize in that situation exactly the kind of feeling I hate when walking around Copenhagen as someone who organizes weekly events and participates in his industry’s community events: the continuous way-higher-than-zero chance to meet and be recognized, as it happens in a small town.

      Commenting this feeling on a day trip to Aarhus (even smaller than CPH and therefore even worse for me), I was answered by the Dane who accompanied me: “yes, but that is good, to have people checking on each other, so that bad behaviors are discouraged”.

      Et voilà, le facho est né.