Arrr! Ye scurvy dogs claimin' to be experts say if the law passes, VPNs won't guard Europeans' privacy!
2024-02-16
Avast ye! As the landlubbers be tryin' to mend web security in the EU, wise men be warnin' that Europe may soon face more watchin' and censorin'. Here be what this means for yer precious privacy, mateys!
In a humorous tone, an article on TechRadar discusses how the proposed EU regulation known as eIDAS 2.0 could jeopardize online anonymity and privacy, even if VPN services are used. The law aims to change how web browsers handle security and website authentication while introducing an identification app called EU ID Wallet for all Europeans. However, experts, including computer scientist Harry Halpin, CEO of Nym Technologies, argue that these provisions pose significant risks to the security and privacy of citizens.The article focuses on the issues related to browser authentication. The eIDAS regulation would give EU states the authority to issue certificates of trust, which web browsers would be required to accept as truthful. Browser providers would also be prohibited from removing these certificates, even in cases of malicious activities, unless the member state allows it. Computer engineer Carmela Troncoso warns that this change in the balance of power is extremely dangerous, as it puts the security of the entire internet at risk.
Furthermore, the article highlights that the eIDAS regulation would enable governments to intercept all internet traffic, making it worse than surveillance regimes in China and Russia. Halpin argues that not even the most secure VPN app would be able to prevent this interception. However, he suggests that a VPN could still offer some advantages, such as spoofing IP address location to download a more private and secure browser.
The article concludes by mentioning that the European Commission has only agreed to a provisional text, and the final agreement is expected to be revealed by the end of March. While lawmakers have added a recital to address industry concerns, it remains to be seen how effective it will be from a legal standpoint.