VPN Demand Skyrockets in UK Over New Privacy Law

On July 25th, 2025, Ofcom officially rolled out the UK’s Online Safety Act. This law forces websites, apps, and platforms to restrict minors from seeing adult content. Popular platforms like Reddit, Instagram, Xbox, and OnlyFans have begun using tools like Yoti and Persona to verify user ages.

This new law sparked immediate backlash from users concerned about their privacy. According to VPNMentor, VPN demand in the UK experienced an explosive surge, recording a massive 6,430% increase in traffic at its peak. Even after that, VPN interest stayed high, with spikes of 900% to 4,000% over the following days.

The law demands age verification not just from adult sites but also from social media and gaming services. Companies must show that they’re taking real steps to block underage users from seeing adult material. If they don’t comply, penalties can be severe:

• Fines up to £18 million or 10% of worldwide revenue
• Platform-wide bans in the UK

• Up to two years in prison for senior tech leaders who ignore enforcement

This law is one of the toughest digital safety rules yet in Europe. It goes well beyond just asking someone to click “I’m over 18.”

Why VPN Use Is Spiking

Users worried about privacy are turning to VPNs to avoid sharing personal info. Some platforms now ask users to show a photo ID or allow face scans just to prove age. A VPN allows users to change their virtual location, which helps them get around geo-blocks and verification checks.

In the wake of the law going live, five VPN apps shot into the top 10 most-downloaded apps on the UK App Store. The verification app Yoti also hit #5.

As you can see, many are opting for Free VPNs but TROYPOINT has always recommended against using these, as most of them sell user data/private information in order to make a profit.

Privacy Risks of Age Verification

Verification tools like Yoti and Persona come with serious privacy concerns. Ofcom lists several approved methods for age checks, including:

• Facial scans that guess your age

• Open banking access to confirm age from your bank

• Digital identity wallets

• Credit card verification

• Email analysis

• Mobile phone checks

• Photo ID comparison

All of these methods require sharing personal information—and in some cases, biometric data—with private companies.

Here are just a few of the risks involved:

• Privacy leaks if data is stored improperly

• Identity theft from exposed or stolen details

• Inaccurate scans that deny access to real adults

• Biased systems that misjudge certain demographics

Some UK residents clearly see using a VPN as a safer alternative than handing over that kind of information.

What to Watch Out for With VPNs

While VPNs can help protect privacy, they’re not all created equal. Some free VPNs have been caught logging user data, selling it to advertisers, or even leaking sensitive info.

If you’re considering using a VPN in response to the Online Safety Act, stick to ones with strong safety features:

• AES-256 encryption for all traffic

• No-logs policy to keep your browsing private

• Kill Switch to cut your internet if the VPN drops

• DNS leak protection to hide your browsing requests

TROYPOINT TIP: You should always use a VPN to protect your identity and security when streaming, browsing, or using apps that could expose your data to third parties.

Final Thoughts

The UK’s Online Safety Act aims to protect children, but the public response reveals growing concerns about digital privacy. The fact that VPN demand surged over 6,000% within hours of the law taking effect shows how uncomfortable people are with forced age verification.

This isn’t just a UK issue. France saw a similar spike in VPN use after blocking access to adult sites, and more countries are moving in the same direction.

While the goal of keeping kids safe is important, the way it’s being enforced may push users to take their privacy into their own hands—often with a VPN.

This article was originally published by VPNMentor.

We want to know what you think of the surge in VPN use in the UK. Drop a comment in the comment section below!

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