Hey John,

A little while back, we asked you what our next move should be to defend VPNs (virtual private networks) from a growing number of proposed bans.¹

• 28% of you said do an in-person stunt to showcase the importance of VPNs
• 40% of you said work with small business leaders to highlight why a VPN ban would suck.
• 48% said to organize nonprofits and activists to make a big statement about VPNs.
• 54% said to work on a draft of an anti-censorship bill that blocks state-by-state VPN bans in the US,
• and 61% said we should schedule meetings with lawmakers to educate them on VPNs and why they shouldn’t be banned.

Here’s the good news: all of the above is possible. We have an amazing DC team focused on educating lawmakers on the Hill and drafting good bills, along with kickass artists and campaigners who are itching to plan a stunt, statement, or small business coalition. With our VPNs Day of Action making a pretty big splash,² we’re confident we could be a thorn in the side of would-be VPN banners.

There’s just one thing missing, and it’s the least glamorous part of this work: securing funding to defend VPNs. We’re running behind on our fundraising this year, in order to jumpstart the ideas we (and you) are so excited about, we need to close this gap. If you can, please donate to defend VPNs today:

DONATE TO DEFEND VPNs

It’s truly unfair that the lawmakers pushing VPN blocking bills get taxpayer dollars and lobbyist support to do it, while the hard-hitting activism it’ll take to push back will cost every dollar we can spare. We’re doing everything we can to fund our VPN defense work, including reaching out to VPN companies themselves (Hey! Help us defend your ability to function!).

But the only gifts we get with no strings attached are from supporters like you. Grassroots donations make our campaigns fast and ruthless regardless of the shifting moods of big donors and foundations.

Now is a crucial time to escalate against VPN bans, before browsing safely and privately becomes a relic of the past. Help us power our Defend VPNs campaign by giving $5, $10, or $50—any amount helps.

FUND VPN DEFENDERS

Thanks so much for your support, truly. We know donating isn’t in the cards for everyone. If you can take action³ and spread the word about VPN bans, it means more than you know.

Solidarity,

Lia and the team at Fight for the Future

Footnotes:
1. CNET: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/as-lawmakers-take-aim-at-vpns-the-privacy-of-millions-could-be-jeopardized/
2. Tech Radar: https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/we-want-to-make-some-noise-advocates-are-stepping-in-to-defend-vpns-and-they-need-your-help
3. Defend VPNs: https://www.defendvpns.com/