While many people use VPN services to enhance their online privacy and security, they are also commonly used to access streaming libraries from other countries – for example, watching American Netflix from Denmark.

The bill, put forward by Denmark’s Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, states that it would be prohibited to “use VPN connections to access media content that would otherwise not be available in Denmark, or to bypass blocking of illegal websites.”

The proposal was quickly criticized by privacy advocates. Jesper Lund, chairman of the IT Political Association, expressed deep concern over the bill’s ambiguous language, stating that it has a “totalitarian feel to it.”

Lund argued that the current wording could be interpreted so broadly that it would not only criminalize streaming but also hinder the sale and legitimate use of VPN services across Denmark.

“I have not heard of other countries that have directly wanted to make it illegal to use VPN services to access closed websites,” said Jesper Lund, who is also a member of the European digital rights organization EDRi (European Digital Rights).

In response, Danish Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt pushed back, stating: “I am not in favor of making VPNs illegal, and I will never propose that. That is why the critics have also got this bill completely wrong.” He clarified that the intent is instead to stop illegal piracy.

As the bill is now out for consultation, if the law is passed it would take effect on July 1, 2026, with offenders facing a fine.

According to Journalisten, Aftonbladet wants to start the first commercial news radio station in Sweden. Aftonbladet’s publisher, Lotta Folcker, argues that the new law on commercial radio opens a window for other media companies to obtain a license, as it will in practice be cheaper.

The new law on commercial radio in Sweden introduces the same rules for both analog (FM) and digital (DAB+) radio, replacing the old auction system for licenses. Broadcasters will instead pay an annual fee based on the market value of the area, which is expected to lower costs. The aim is to make commercial radio more financially sustainable and to promote a broader range of content, with future licenses typically granted for longer periods. According to Lotta Folcker, this result in significantly lower cost than before, about a fifth of the earlier price.

Aftonbladet’s planned radio channel will reportedly broadcast news, sports, and entertainment content, according to Journalisten. Lotta Folcker says that their podcast Aftonbladet Daily is one of Sweden’s largest news podcasts and believes that they could grow even further in audio storytelling if a license were granted. A decision if the license is granted is expected in February.

“If we get the license, we will make a serious investment. FM is still very strong and there is good business in it if you manage to get reach, says Lotta Folcker and continues:

“We don’t think we can do this with the existing workforce, this is a comprehensive investment, but I can’t say exactly how many positions there will be”.

Danish linear TV hits all-time low as digital video captures 65% of viewing time – Senal News

Streaming driver nordisk tv-marknad mot nya höjder – Dagens Media

Spotifys nya drag: ”Tror på något annat” – SvD

Nya poddtrenden: Går över till video – ”Roligare” – Expressen

Spotify lanserar ljudböcker i Sverige – Dagens Industri

Traditional TV viewing in Sweden falls to less than a third of overall watch time – C21 Media

Svenskarna tittar allt mindre på traditionell tv – Omni