VPNs Surge to Top of UK App Charts as Age Verification Laws Take Effect
According to BBC News, Virtual Private Network (VPN) apps have soared to the top of the UK Apple App Store following the implementation of new age verification rules under the Online Safety Act.
As of Monday morning, five out of the top ten free apps on the UK App Store were VPN-related. One provider, Proton VPN, reported a staggering 1,800% increase in UK downloads over the weekend after the law came into effect last Friday.
What Is the Online Safety Act?
The Online Safety Act requires platforms that host adult or potentially harmful content to implement “highly effective” age verification systems. These may include:
Facial age estimation using selfies or video
Uploading official ID documents
The goal is to protect minors from accessing explicit or inappropriate content online.
The new regulations affect major platforms such as:
Pornhub, Reddit,
These sites have now started requiring age verification for UK-based users.
VPN Usage Spikes in Response
VPNs enable users to hide their IP address and appear as though they are browsing from another country—effectively bypassing local restrictions and verification checks.
The surge in VPN downloads suggests that many users—including potentially underage individuals—are turning to VPNs to circumvent the new rules.
Proton VPN, operated by Swiss-based privacy company Proton, reported a sharp rise in UK sign-ups, placing the UK among its top user countries. Another app, Free VPN, also confirmed a “significant surge” in UK downloads during the same period.
Privacy and Safety Concerns
While VPNs are often promoted as tools for enhancing privacy, experts warn of serious risks—particularly with free services. According to cybersecurity professionals, many free VPN apps:
Sell user data to third parties
Contain security vulnerabilities
Lack proper encryption and data protection
Daniel Card, a cybersecurity expert with BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, noted:
“The uncomfortable truth is that people—including kids—will take risks to access restricted content. VPNs are often the tool they choose.”
Concerns for Child Online Safety
Child protection advocates have also raised the alarm. Katie Freeman-Tayler, spokesperson for Internet Matters, warned that the easy access to free or low-cost VPNs by minors could seriously undermine the intent of the Online Safety Act.
Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has reiterated that platforms must not promote or facilitate VPN usage to bypass age verification. The UK government confirmed to the BBC that encouraging users to circumvent age restrictions is illegal under current law.
