An sudden surge in interest in virtual private networks (VPN) in the UK has been linked to the introduction of age verification on websites that may host adult content.
Since the new checks came into force, data from Google Trends shows a significant rise in internet users searching for VPNs – and five VPNs are among the top 10 free apps trending on Apple’s App Store.
It is thought the spike in VPN downloads is coming from adults who are concerned about the impact that completing the age verification checks will have on their privacy.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or virtual private network, acts as a tool to protect users’ internet connections.
When in use, a VPN hides the internet users’ real IP address and location as well as encrypting their data.
They are often used abroad to bypass government firewalls.
VPN’s allow people to disguise their location, therefore allowing users to use the internet as though they were abroad.
Since the introduction of age verification, data from Google Trends shows a significant rise in internet users searching for VPNs.
What are the new age verification checks?
Last week, the government introduced age verification checks on websites that host adult content.
The stricter age regulations aim to prevent those under the age of 18 from viewing harmful content online.
If you visit a website that is judged to host potentially harmful or graphic content, you will be prompted to complete an age verification check so you can prove you’re over 18.
The process of age verification includes submitting an image of your face, as well as other personal data.
The use of a VPN is likely to bypass these restrictions.
The new restrictions are part of the Online Safety Act, a bill that was brought in by the previous government to better regulate websites and the type of content accessible online.
The bill contains changes to the law specifically designed to help protect children and young people from viewing pornography or content which encourages eating disorders, self-harm harm and suicide.
Proton VPN is one of the VPNs currently trending.
A spokesperson for the organisation confirmed ‘an immediate spike in sign-ups’ following the introduction of age verification last Friday.
“The UK is now one of the countries generating the highest usage for Proton VPN.
“This clearly shows that adults are concerned about the impact universal age verification laws will have on their privacy.
“The sign-up spike in the UK follows a similar pattern as when other governments put in place restrictions on communication or social media platforms, and shouldn’t be surprising since services like Wikipedia, Reddit and X are reportedly being asked to comply with age verification requirements.”
What will the penalty be if websites fail to comply?
The broadcast regulator Ofcom will be in charge of enforcing these new rules.
From July 25, services that don’t comply could find themselves facing restrictions and fines amounting to the greater of either 10% of their total qualifying global annual revenue or £18 million.
In the most serious cases, Ofcom can ask a court to impose sanctions on third parties, such as internet providers, which could lead to the site being blocked or restricted in the UK.
Ofcom says the new laws are not designed to censor what adults can and cannot view online, but simply there to protect children from seeing things they should not.
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