On April 1, 2025, the European Commission introduced a new plan called ProtectEU. Its goal is to create a roadmap for “lawful and effective access to data for law enforcement,” particularly targeting encrypted platforms. While messaging apps are the immediate focus, VPN services might be next.
VPNs rely on end-to-end encryption and strict no-log policies to keep users anonymous. However, if ProtectEU leads to mandatory encryption backdoors or expanded data retention rules, that could force VPN providers to change how they operate—or leave the EU altogether.
Proton VPN’s Head of Public Policy, Jurgita Miseviciute, warns that weakening encryption won’t solve security issues. Instead, she believes it would put users at greater risk, allowing bad actors to exploit the same access points created for law enforcement. Proton is monitoring the plan closely, hoping the EU will consider solutions that protect encryption.
Surfshark takes a more optimistic view. Legal Head Gytis Malinauskas says the strategy still lacks concrete policy direction and sees the emphasis on cybersecurity as a potential boost for privacy tools like VPNs.
Mullvad VPN isn’t convinced.
Having fought against earlier EU proposals to scan private chats, Mullvad criticized ProtectEU as a rebranded version of old policies, expressing doubt it will gain wide support.
One key concern is data retention. If the EU decides to require VPNs to log user activity, it could fundamentally conflict with their privacy-first design. Denis Vyazovoy of AdGuard VPN notes that such laws could make no-log VPNs unfeasible, prompting providers to exit the EU market—much like what happened in India in 2022.
NordVPN adds that the more data retained, the more risk users face from breaches or misuse.
Even though VPNs aren’t explicitly targeted yet, an EU report has listed them as a challenge to investigations—raising concerns about future regulations.
Still, Surfshark sees the current debate as a chance to highlight the legitimate role VPNs play in protecting everyday users. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the tension between privacy and security is only heating up.
