Why Dutch users need a VPN for more online freedom

May 1, 2025 By Nancy William No Comments 6 minutes

You would think that in the Netherlands, where the internet is fast and people love technology, everything is well organized online. Yet it turns out that there are quite a few snags to this digital freedom and that your data is often much more public than you might think.

Waarom Nederlandse Gebruikers Een VPN Nodig Hebben

The importance of online privacy is therefore indisputable in 2025, which is why more and more ordinary internet users are choosing to use a VPN to maintain their digital freedom.

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Your data is out in the open

A VPN – you know, a Virtual Private Network – ensures that your internet traffic is encrypted. Sounds technical, but it comes down to strolling around online without everyone being able to peek at you.

In the Netherlands, you might assume that your data is safe, but practice shows otherwise.

Companies collect information about your surfing behavior on a massive scale. Think of advertising companies, websites and apps. Even your internet provider can see exactly what you’re up to online. And no, that information does not always stay behind closed doors.

Online blockages really exist

You may not expect it in a free country like the Netherlands, but online blockades are just there. Some websites, especially foreign services, have limited access from the Netherlands.

Think of certain news websites, video content, or even sports streams that are only available to watch in specific countries. Or because companies do not have certain rights for the Netherlands. Do you want to gamble without Cruks registration at foreign gambling sites? This can be blocked more and more often from the Netherlands.

A VPN makes short work of that: you change your virtual location and voila, you can watch or access what you want.

Watch the news or videos you want, play the casino games you like, without having to worry about national restrictions.

Safe internet browsing on public Wi-Fi

Do you ever sit on a terrace or on the train browsing on your mobile? Then a VPN is almost a must. Public Wi-Fi networks are a Paradise for malicious parties.

Without you noticing, they can peek in or even intercept sensitive data. A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. This way you can do your banking without any worries, continue watching that embarrassing series or even stream football matches!

Privacy is a right, not a luxury

Since the introduction of the GDPR, we have become more aware of privacy, but in practice a lot still slips through the cracks.

Companies are still trying to rake in as much data as possible. In the Netherlands, this is no different from the rest of Europe.

By using a VPN, you give some control back to yourself. No one needs to know what sites you visit or what you download.

Censorship is closer than you think

Although the Netherlands is known for its freedoms, you see more and more discussions about internet censorship here as well. Think of blockades during riots or restrictions at controversial events.

In extreme situations, websites can suddenly become inaccessible. They are not wild conspiracies, it really happens. In such cases, a VPN gives you the opportunity to still have access to information, which should be self-evident in a free society.

Better security against hacks and phishing

Cyber attacks are no longer just aimed at large companies. Ordinary citizens are just as much a target these days.

Phishing emails are becoming more and more credible, fake websites seem lifelike. With a VPN, you reduce the risk of your traffic being intercepted along the way. Especially if you share a lot of sensitive information, such as business emails or personal documents, this is not an unnecessary luxury.

Streaming services without borders

Even if you have a Netflix or Disney+ subscription, you still miss out on a lot of content because it is only available in other countries.

Very frustrating when you hear that a new series is out, but still have to wait weeks in the Netherlands. With a VPN, you can pretend you’re somewhere else and just watch. And no, there is nothing illegal about that as long as you stay within the terms of use.

Your own digital passport

With a VPN you actually have your own digital passport. You can choose from servers all over the world and are not tied to the location where you are physically.

This not only gives you access to more information, but also more freedom to decide for yourself how you are visible online. In a world where more and more companies decide what you do and don’t see, that’s a relief.

Increase in surveillance

In 2025, the discussion about expanding surveillance powers will be on the table again. In certain cases, political parties want more opportunities for investigative services to monitor internet traffic.

This is not only about suspects of serious crimes, but can also affect ordinary citizens if it is used too widely. A VPN is an easy way to guard against that, without doing anything wrong.

More people are working from home

Since the corona pandemic, working from home has become the most normal thing in the world. Even in 2025, many Dutch people will still be working partly from home.

You often use company networks or confidential documents. A VPN ensures that you can work safely, even if you use your own Wi-Fi connection that is not completely foolproof.

Gaming zonder grenzen

A VPN also offers advantages for gamers. Think of access to games that have not yet been released in the Netherlands, or faster connections via less crowded servers.

Some games even block players based on IP address if they think you’re breaking the rules. With a VPN, you bypass that risk and can just keep playing.

Conclusion: more control over your own internet

In short, a VPN just gives you that little bit of extra freedom in the Netherlands. You decide who is watching, what information you can see and how safe you are online. At a time when digital rights are increasingly under pressure, this is no longer a luxury, but a pure necessity.

You don’t have to be a techie to use a VPN. It’s simple, quick to set up, and makes your internet experience yours again. Exactly as it was once intended.