cside Launches VPN Detection Engine as Regulatory Crackdowns Ramp Up

New solution helps businesses detect and manage traffic from virtual private networks to comply with tightening content distribution and age verification laws.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:15am by Ben Kaplan

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cside, a cybersecurity company specializing in browser-side threat detection, has launched a new VPN Detection engine to help businesses identify and manage traffic from virtual private networks. The solution uses advanced analysis across network layers to detect VPN usage, addressing compliance requirements around content distribution, age-restricted materials, and fraud prevention as VPN use continues surging globally.

Why it matters

With the rise of VPN usage to bypass content restrictions and age verification, businesses that distribute licensed content, process payments, or host age-restricted materials face growing legal and financial risks. cside's VPN Detection engine provides a comprehensive solution to meet these compliance challenges without disrupting legitimate web traffic.

The details

cside's VPN Detection engine uses multi-layered analysis across network layers to identify traffic routed through virtual private networks, going beyond legacy IP-based detection methods that can be easily circumvented. The solution examines browser fingerprints, device characteristics, network packet behavior, and timing discrepancies to accurately detect VPN usage. Customers can configure automated responses when VPN traffic is detected, such as blocking access, requiring additional authentication, or serving region-appropriate content.

  • On January 29, 2026, cside announced the launch of its VPN Detection engine.
  • In the wake of the UK Online Safety Act, searches for VPNs jumped 7x and ProtonVPN reported a 1,400% increase in signups.
  • State governments in the U.S., such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, are advancing legislation to make VPN detection a legal requirement for websites.

The players

cside

A venture-backed cybersecurity company specializing in browser-side threat detection, protection, and intelligence.

Simon Wijckmans

CEO and founder of cside.

Mike Kutlu

GTM Operations at cside.

ProtonVPN

A virtual private network provider that has reported a 1,400% increase in signups.

Wisconsin Assembly Bill 105

A proposed law that would allow parents to sue website owners for damages if minors access age-restricted content via VPNs.

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What they’re saying

“If you operate a website that processes payments, or distributes licensed content, or hosts age-restricted materials, you're increasingly taking a big risk without VPN traffic detection. Regulations and legal ramifications are ramping up very quickly, and this is a textbook example where an ounce of prevention is well worth the cure (or in this case, the financial penalties). Our VPN Detection engine has the exact tools and visibility organizations need to meet VPN-use requirements without disrupting web traffic.”

— Simon Wijckmans, CEO and founder, cside

“VPN providers know when their IP addresses are flagged and then just rotate over to new ones. With new regulation, that approach is now wholly insufficient. Based on that and conversations with our customers, our VPN Detection engine looks at the actual indicators of VPN infrastructure within the request itself. When it comes to contract enforcement or legal liability, something that just shows you made an effort doesn't help.”

— Mike Kutlu, GTM Operations, cside

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.