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Online Safety Act age verification checks have led to a surge in downloads of virtual private network (VPN) apps in the UK. Platforms like PornHub, Reddit, and X now require users to verify their age, leading many to seek ways to bypass these restrictions. VPNs allow users to disguise their location online, making it appear as though they are in a different country.
According to reports, half of the top ten free apps in Apple’s UK app download charts are now VPN services. One app developer even reported an 1,800% increase in downloads following the implementation of age verification checks. Virtual private networks connect users to websites using remote servers, masking their IP addresses and enabling them to access blocked content.
While VPNs offer a way to access restricted content, experts warn that free versions of these apps can pose security and privacy risks. Cybersecurity expert Daniel Card stated that many free VPNs have issues, such as data harvesting and susceptibility to attacks. Despite these risks, users, including children seeking age-restricted content and adults looking to bypass restrictions, continue to utilize VPNs to access blocked content.
Children’s safety group Internet Matters expressed concern over the availability of free VPN services to children, enabling them to bypass age verification checks. However, platforms are required to implement effective age verification methods and are prohibited from promoting the use of VPNs to circumvent these checks. The government has emphasized that hosting or sharing content that encourages VPN use to bypass age verification is illegal.
As age verification measures are enforced, VPN usage has significantly increased in the UK. Companies like Proton VPN have experienced a 1,800% rise in daily sign-ups since the introduction of age checks. While some free VPN apps rely on advertisements for funding, others assure users that their connections are private, secure, and encrypted. Despite the availability of reputable VPN services, many users opt for the first free app they find, potentially compromising their data privacy
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