Fight for the Future is organizing its second Defend VPNs Day of Action on September 25, calling on lawmakers around the world to protect virtual private networks (VPNs) from being banned or restricted. A VPN is a service that helps users protect their online privacy and access information securely. This campaign, launched in 2025, builds on last year’s efforts, which engaged approximately 20,000 people. Supporters can sign an open letter to government leaders at DefendVPNs.com, which argues that VPNs are essential for privacy and access to information. The website also provides tools to connect users directly with their lawmakers and includes a suggested script for conversations. Digital rights advocates are increasingly concerned that new internet laws are being used to restrict access to VPNs. These laws often include age verification requirements, which ask users to prove their age before accessing certain websites. Advocates warn that the impact of such laws goes beyond controlling access to adult content. Vulnerable groups, such as those in abusive relationships or seeking medical information, rely on VPNs to bypass barriers like ID checks and biometric scans to reach loved ones or access critical resources. Fight for the Future has highlighted recent developments in several regions. Utah became the first U.S. state to include a provision targeting VPNs in an age verification law. In Michigan, a proposed "public morals" bill would require internet service providers to block access to VPNs, with potential fines of up to $500,000 for promoting them. Meanwhile, in the UK, officials have not ruled out banning or age-gating VPNs, but they expect platforms to prevent users from bypassing age checks. In Australia, authorities are exploring ways to block workarounds for age verification, and the EU has hinted that VPNs could be the next target after its recent announcement to ban social media for teenagers. In Russia, Human Rights Watch reported that at least 469 VPNs had been blocked by February 2025, using methods such as bulk IP blocking and removing apps from app stores. Amnezia VPN, one of the affected services, faced a six-week disruption after being targeted in June. In Brazil, the use of a VPN has been cited as an aggravating factor in criminal cases, according to Reclaim The Net. With youth social media bans expanding to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UAE, Fight for the Future warns that pressure on VPNs is likely to increase. In response, several major VPN providers, including Amnezia VPN, IPVanish, and Surfshark, have pledged their support and are encouraging users to join the campaign at DefendVPNs.com.