Since the implementation of age verification measures under the UK Online Safety Act, there has been a notable surge in the use of VPNs among the public. This trend has not gone unnoticed by certain factions within the UK government, who have expressed discontent and suggested potential actions to curb this growing phenomenon. However, the Open Rights Group (ORG), an organization dedicated to online privacy advocacy, has voiced its concerns regarding these governmental suggestions, arguing that they may exacerbate existing issues rather than resolve them.
Government Concerns and Public Response
The appeal of VPNs lies in their ability to connect users to servers in numerous countries, allowing individuals in the UK to bypass age verification by simply selecting a server located in a jurisdiction without such requirements. Despite the apparent loophole, no substantial measures have been enacted to address this situation thus far.
In light of these developments, children’s commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza has characterized the use of VPNs as “absolutely a loophole that needs closing.” In response, the ORG has emphasized that the VPNs themselves are not the core issue and has initiated a campaign aimed at reforming the Online Safety Act. This campaign is particularly timely, as the Act has had widespread implications, affecting various platforms from dating apps to Spotify, as well as health-related and political content.
Concerns Over Online Safety
During discussions in the House of Lords regarding the uptick in VPN usage, ORG representative James Baker raised critical points about the potential risks associated with “age-gating VPNs.” He noted that while younger children are unlikely to utilize VPNs, teenagers may easily find alternative methods to circumvent restrictions. These methods could include using proxy sites, Tor, peer-to-peer sharing, borrowed account credentials, or simply accessing content through alternative platforms.
Baker further articulated that adults often resort to VPNs due to a lack of trust in age assurance technologies. He suggested that if the government were to enhance data protection and privacy standards for age checks, the reliance on VPNs might diminish.
He concluded with a stark warning: “Detecting or banning VPNs is not technically feasible without extreme levels of digital authoritarianism.” This statement underscores the complexity of the issue at hand and the potential unintended consequences of any restrictive measures.
The Broader Implications of VPN Use
For many teenagers, VPNs serve multiple purposes, from enhancing their gaming experience to ensuring privacy while using public WiFi. Should restrictions on VPN usage be enforced, it is likely that users would turn to less secure alternatives, such as unsafe proxy sites, which could lead to a host of new challenges.
For those considering a VPN, our recommended partner is NordVPN. Signing up can significantly enhance your gaming experience, provide safety on public WiFi, and maintain the privacy of your internet searches.
For further insights into how a VPN can elevate your gaming experience, explore our guides on Warzone VPN and Minecraft VPN.
