‘It doesn’t have to be all or nothing’ — ExpressVPN launches privacy-first tool to combat CSAM
‘It doesn’t have to be all or nothing’ — ExpressVPN launches privacy-first tool to combat CSAM
Publish Date: 2026-03-04 10:25:00
Source Domain: www.techradar.com
- ExpressVPN develops a CSAM blocking tool in partnership with IWF
- OpenBoundary blocks known CSAM domains at the DNS level
- The tool is open-source so other services can integrate it
As regulators worldwide scramble for solutions to boost online child safety, VPN services are frequently targeted due to their alleged role in facilitating anonymous access to illegal content.
ExpressVPN is now taking a proactive stance against one of the internet’s most heinous crimes by building a dedicated tool that halts access to child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The provider partnered with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to develop OpenBoundary, a server-level toolkit designed to help network operators restrict access to verified CSAM domains safely and transparently.
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ExpressVPN maintains that OpenBoundary is built on a privacy-first infrastructure, introducing network-wide safeguards without altering or infringing upon its strict no-logs policy.
Dr. Peter Membrey, Chief Research Officer at ExpressVPN, told TechRadar that the move is a “safe first step to open the conversation” between technologists, child safety groups, and regulators.
He added: “We believe there is no good reason for this material to exist or to traverse our networks — but, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.” He believes OpenBoundary provides regulators with “sharper tools” that do not weaken encryption or user privacy in the name of safety.
As part of the “Not on My Network” initiative, ExpressVPN is open-sourcing the code for OpenBoundary. The goal is for other VPN services, internet service providers (ISPs), and cloud platforms to adopt the framework.
Fellow Kape Technologies brands CyberGhost and Private Internet Access (PIA) are the first to join the mission. Kerry Smith, CEO at the IWF, applauded the innovative approach, saying the move “balances its commitment to online child safety and online privacy.”
How OpenBoundary works
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