Open Rights Group has warned that restricting the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is technically unworkable and a threat to privacy, cybersecurity, and freedom of expression. The briefing paper, VPNs and the Online Safety Act, also highlights that restrictions to VPNs would have little impact on online safety for under 18s.
The use of VPNs has soared in the UK since age verification requirements under the Online Safety were introduced at the end of July. Since then there have been calls to restrict VPNs so that under 18s can’t use them to get around age assurance.