VPN Downloads Surge Across the UK as Online Safety Act Triggers Strict Age Verification

Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage has skyrocketed across the UK since the Online Safety Act officially came into force on July 25, 2025. The new legislation mandates that websites, streaming services, and mobile apps hosting adult content implement robust age verification checks to confirm users are 18 or older.

VPNs, which allow users to disguise their IP address and appear as though they are browsing from outside the UK, have become the most popular workaround to avoid these checks. Since most platforms only enforce these restrictions for UK users, anyone appearing to connect from countries like France or the US can bypass the verification process.

At present, downloading and using a VPN in the UK remains legal. In fact, five of the top ten most downloaded free apps on the Apple App Store are VPNs. Premium VPN providers have reported record-breaking download numbers, while even free VPNs — often discouraged by security experts — have seen a dramatic rise.

This surge has fueled speculation about whether the UK government may attempt to ban VPNs. However, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle has ruled out an outright prohibition for now. He admitted the government is monitoring VPN use “very closely,” stating:

“Some people are finding their way roun

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