The UK government's drastic move to block under-16s from social media has sparked a scramble for virtual private networks (VPNs) – with Google searches for 'VPN' skyrocketing 165% overnight as tech-savvy teenagers and parents alike rush to find ways to circumvent the proposed restrictions.
Labour leader Keir Starmer's unveiling of one of the world's toughest online safety regimes has been welcomed by experts and campaigners, who hail it as a major step towards protecting children and young people from online harm. However, cybersecurity researchers have sounded a note of caution, warning that determined users will find ways to access restricted content.
Concerns are echoed in Australia, where VPN downloads nearly tripled after age restrictions for adult content came into force earlier this year – a move the government acknowledges it will learn from, with 'highly effective age assurance' measures promised. Ofcom has been tasked with conducting an urgent review into age-verification technologies.
While the ban aims to improve online safety, experts warn of enforcement challenges. 'VPNs already being used to bypass age restrictions should be a warning that bans alone are unlikely to deliver the outcome ministers want,' said Kim Samuel, founder of Belonging Forum – highlighting the need for effective measures to prevent access to restricted content.