The age-old problem of online safety has taken centre stage in the UK, with the Government set to unveil crucial details this week regarding its forthcoming ban on under-16s accessing major social media platforms. But new research suggests that few children are using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass age restrictions – a fact that may come as a surprise given the recent focus on VPNs in online safety discussions.
A survey commissioned by the VPN Trust Initiative, which represents companies including NordVPN and ExpressVPN, found that while 14 per cent of children had used a VPN in the past year, only five per cent reported using one for any form of circumvention. A mere one per cent of children were using VPNs to access age-restricted content, with most young users utilising the technology for online security and privacy purposes instead.
The research highlights that 61 per cent of children who had used a VPN did so to protect their online privacy, while nearly a third cited improved online security – particularly when using public Wi-Fi. Interestingly, among those using paid VPN services, 87 per cent reported that the subscription had been purchased by a parent or carer, suggesting a parental perception of VPNs as a cybersecurity tool.
The findings come as ministers finalise the implementation of significant changes to online safety rules, building on the Online Safety Act. This week, the Government is expected to detail what will constitute “highly effective” age assurance for social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X, as it moves to block under-16s from these services.
However, cybersecurity experts are warning against an overemphasis on VPNs in enforcement strategies. Mark Andrijanik, a cybersecurity adviser at NordVPN, pointed out that multiple independent studies consistently show a very small proportion of children using VPNs for circumvention. He argued that focusing enforcement on regulated VPN providers could inadvertently push users towards smaller, less secure services outside UK jurisdiction.