UK VPN Demand Soars After Debut Of Online Safety Act – The Register
• Proton VPN saw a staggering 1 400 % increase in UK sign‑ups after the Online Safety Act’s age verification kicked in on 25 July 2025
• VPN apps dominated the UK App Store charts, even overtaking ChatGPT over the weekend
• Ofcom warns platforms not to promote VPNs and warns parents that VPNs bypass protections
Following the enforcement of the UK’s Online Safety Act on 25 July 2025, which requires robust age verification for access to adult and other harmful content, demand for VPN services has surged. In particular, Proton VPN reported sign‑ups from UK users leapt by more than 1 400 %, a sustained spike far greater than previous surges seen in other countries.
VPN apps quickly rose up the UK App Store charts, displacing ChatGPT and occupying multiple spots in the top ten free apps. Other providers—including Nord Security and Super Unlimited—also recorded massive increases in subscriptions and downloads. This trend reflects widespread public concern over the privacy implications of mandatory ID checks and digital identity collection.
Ofcom has reiterated that platforms must not promote VPN use, warning that doing so would undermine child protection measures under the Act. Though VPNs enable users to bypass geo‑ or age‑based restrictions, critics worry this raises risks around anonymity, surveillance and data breaches. Some experts suggest that less tech‑aware legislation could backfire, leading consumers to turn to third‑party solutions to evade new legal safeguards.
In short, the online safety legislation intended to strengthen protection for minors may be spurring a wave of circumvention among tech‑savvy users, raising questions about its unintended side effects and overall effectiveness.
How To Respond
- Consider carefully before sharing personal documents or ID details for age verification
- Keep an eye on reputable VPN providers if privacy is a concern
- Follow developments in legal challenges, public petitions or parliamentary debate over the Act