London, UK – British authorities are reportedly considering restrictions on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) following a massive surge in their usage after the implementation of the Online Safety Act. This comes as countries like North Korea, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Iraq already maintain outright bans on VPN technology, as noted by user PeterSweden in a recent tweet. The tweet stated, "> Some countries where VPNs are banned. - North Korea. - Belarus. - Turkmenistan. - Iran. - Iraq. And now British authorities are considering banning VPNs."
The surge in VPN adoption across the UK, with some providers reporting an 1,800% increase in sign-ups, is directly linked to new age verification requirements for adult content websites under the Online Safety Act. Services like Proton VPN and Nord VPN have seen unprecedented demand, with Proton VPN becoming the top free app on Apple's App Store in the UK. This rapid uptake indicates a public desire to circumvent the new age-gating measures, which require users to provide personal data for verification.
Concerns about VPNs undermining the Online Safety Act's effectiveness have been voiced by some Members of Parliament. Labour MP Sarah Champion, for instance, has pushed for the government to assess the impact of VPN use on Ofcom's ability to enforce the new regulations. Critics argue that VPNs create "gaps" in the legislation, allowing users, including minors, to bypass age restrictions designed to protect children online.
Globally, VPN bans are typically enforced by authoritarian regimes seeking to control information flow and suppress dissent. In countries like Iraq, VPNs are banned under the guise of preventing terrorism, while in Turkmenistan, the government maintains strict internet control to limit access to foreign information. These bans often aim to prevent citizens from accessing uncensored news or communicating freely, highlighting a stark contrast with democratic nations where VPNs are largely legal for privacy and security.
The potential for UK authorities to restrict VPNs has sparked debate among digital rights advocates and industry experts. While proponents of restrictions cite child safety, opponents warn of implications for online privacy and freedom, arguing that such measures could set a worrying precedent for a democratic nation. The enforceability of a widespread ban also remains a significant challenge, given the global nature of VPN technology and the difficulty in blocking all services.