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ExpressVPN Takes a Stand: Blocks CSAM Websites
Dr. Peter Membrey, Chief Engineering Officer at ExpressVPN, announced a bold move. “We are the first business to say, ‘You know what?’ I think that takes guts.” He told tech reporters, “We will not stand for this.”
Description
Key Features:
- Robust privacy and security
- Proprietary fast, secure, and light VPN protocol
- Torrenting is allowed on all servers.
Pros:
- Works with all major streaming services
- Split tunneling feature available
- Network Lock kill switch
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to competitors
- Slow updates
- Port forwarding not available
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is ExpressVPN blocking CSAM websites?
ExpressVPN partnered with the Internet Watch Foundation to block websites hosting child sexual abuse material in order to protect children and reduce the spread of illegal content online.
Does blocking CSAM affect ExpressVPN’s privacy policies?
No. ExpressVPN states that it will not monitor user activity, inspect traffic, or weaken encryption while blocking these websites.
What is the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)?
The Internet Watch Foundation is a UK-based organization that identifies and helps remove child sexual abuse material from the internet.
How will ExpressVPN block CSAM content?
The company will use a limited DNS-based control system to prevent access to websites listed by the IWF as hosting CSAM.
Will other VPN providers adopt similar measures?
ExpressVPN plans to make its solution open source, allowing other VPN providers to use the same technology to block CSAM while maintaining user privacy.
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Partnering with the IWF
ExpressVPN is now one of the first major VPN services to block websites known for hosting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The company has partnered with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). It is the UK’s CSAM watchdog, to eliminate “universally despised and despicable” material from its network.
Privacy Remains a Priority
Dr. Membrey emphasized that ExpressVPN will protect user privacy. The company will use a “simple, well-scoped DNS control” to block harmful sites. He stressed there will be “no broken encryption,” “no traffic inspection,” and “no monitoring.” Their approach is intentionally simple because users lose trust in privacy systems that seem too complex.
A Shift in VPN Industry Attitudes
This move represents a shift in thinking rather than technology. Dr. Membrey told tech reporters, “No one has been willing to take this step before.” He acknowledged that many VPN providers have worried about backlash and user misunderstanding if they regulate content. Still, ExpressVPN will now block access to all websites identified by the IWF as dedicated to CSAM.
Balancing Safety and Privacy
The perception of a VPN company “policing” the internet could create problems. VPN providers have hesitated to regulate their networks, fearing that it might breach user privacy. Neil Prowse, head of memberships at the IWF, noted that while VPN companies resisted regulation in the past, attitudes are changing. “There is certainly a barrier in the whole VPN space; obviously, privacy is a unique part of the service offering. But I think things are changing in the VPN market,” he said. Prowse explained that blocking CSAM isn’t like blocking gambling or pornography. Everyone agrees on the need to stop the sexual abuse of children because it’s illegal and harmful.
Dr. Membrey believes users need to understand there is a middle ground. “There is no right or wrong answer. It’s neither that everything must be closed off and private nor that everything must be open to everyone. And, be watched,” he said. “There are things we can do in the middle.” ExpressVPN’s approach ensures that CSAM content cannot travel through its network.
Industry Response and Open Source Solutions
Some online platforms may not prioritize blocking CSAM, Prowse observed. “We have provided a free service to detect CSAM to groups we believe are experiencing heavy abuse. It’s been very quiet about how that’s been used. That is a strong sign that traffic flow may be more important to some sites than doing the right thing,” he said.
Kerry Smith, CEO of the IWF, praised ExpressVPN’s actions. “We praise ExpressVPN’s creative way of balancing its dedication to keeping kids safe online and protecting their privacy. Our goal at the IWF is to stop the harmful and widespread spread of child sexual abuse online. And, we need strong relationships with the tech industry to do it.”
By joining the IWF, ExpressVPN can now use the organization’s world-class information and technology to better protect its users. Other VPN companies will also have access to this technology, as ExpressVPN will make it open source.
A significant change in the approach to internet safety by privacy-focused organizations is demonstrated by ExpressVPN. It is through their decision to prohibit CSAM across its network. The business is trying to find a middle ground by teaming up with the Internet Watch Foundation. In doing so, it will help them maintain user privacy while also stopping the spread of harmful and unlawful information.
Despite VPN companies’ long-standing resistance to content regulation, ExpressVPN’s strategy hints at a possible shift in the market. This might be the beginning of a new paradigm. One in which robust privacy safeguards and proactive measures to address severe online abuse coexist if other VPN services follow suit.
