The UK’s recent enforcement of the Online Safety Act has sparked an unprecedented spike in VPN sign-ups, as internet users seek to bypass new age verification requirements and preserve their online privacy.
Age checks trigger a VPN surge
In late July, platforms like Reddit and Pornhub began implementing mandatory age verification for UK users. Within hours, Proton VPN reported a 1,400% surge in new sign-ups, according to TechRadar.
This comes as part of the UK government’s push to protect minors online—but many users are turning to VPNs to bypass IP-based age checks. Google Trends also shows a marked increase in searches for “VPN UK” and “how to get around age verification.”
VPN usage already on the rise
- 70% of UK internet users regularly use a VPN
- 76% are aware of VPNs and their benefits
- VPN usage is highest on laptops (63%) and smartphones (40%)
This growth has been fueled by concerns around privacy, streaming access, and cybersecurity—now supercharged by government regulation.
Meanwhile, new VPN service VP.net has launched, with impeccable timing, promising even better privacy.
A booming market through 2030
The UK’s cloud VPN market is projected to grow by 12–16% annually through the end of the decade, driven by:
- Remote and hybrid work trends
- GDPR and privacy compliance
- Rising demand for secure internet access
The only thing that can stop the increase in VPN subscriptions is the slow crawl of anti-VPN policies being enacted by European governments at the behest of traditional media companies.
Privacy vs regulation: A digital tug of war
While the Online Safety Act aims to protect users—particularly children—from harmful content, critics argue it may have unintended consequences:
- Encouraging circumvention through VPNs
- Driving more users toward anonymity and encryption
- Limiting access to global content
As regulation tightens, the appetite for tools that protect privacy and restore internet freedom is only expected to grow.
Online “safety” vs online freedom
The recent surge in VPN interest is more than a blip—it’s a clear sign that UK users are increasingly prioritizing digital freedom and control over state censorship. For anyone seeking to bypass age verification, access geo-restricted content, or secure their data, VPNs are now essential tools.
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