The UK abandons its proposal for VPN restrictions.

      The UK was poised to impose restrictions on VPNs while tightening online regulations for children. However, it has since backed down, and this change is attributed to its own research. Online Safety Minister Kanishka Narayan stated clearly on the BBC, “We decided not to limit VPNs.” A VPN conceals a user’s actual location, which can be a method to bypass age verification.

      This decision coincides with the UK’s new midnight social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed this in a written statement, explaining that VPNs have “legitimate privacy and security uses.”

      Findings from the research

      The government had commissioned a study involving over 2,000 children, and the findings undermined the justification for a ban. Approximately a quarter of children aged 11 to 17 have utilized a VPN, primarily for privacy reasons rather than to violate rules, according to the report.

      Only about 7% of children use a VPN to access age-restricted content. Many more simply provide false information; nearly half of those who circumvent age verification enter an incorrect date of birth. Thus, the VPN is not the main loophole.

      Shifting responsibility to platforms

      Instead of policing these tools, the government is shifting responsibility onto the platforms themselves. They are now required to take “robust steps” to identify and prevent underage users from bypassing age verification.

      Ofcom is expected to report by October concerning what constitutes a reliable over-16 age check. The government has also asked Ofcom, along with the data regulator, to investigate how platforms can enhance detection of VPN usage. Furthermore, ministers will engage with VPN providers about voluntary actions and pledge to “keep this area under close review.”

      A victory for privacy advocates

      This decision marks a significant victory for digital rights organizations. A coalition of over 20 tech companies and activists, including Proton and Mozilla, urged ministers not to restrict VPNs. Mozilla cautioned that restricting access would lead to cybersecurity issues while failing to adequately protect children.

      Not everyone is convinced that the overall plan is effective. The curfew and other feature restrictions can be disabled, leading critics to argue that this creates a clear vulnerability. As one analyst put it, the government is “leaving the side door open.”

      This decision contrasts with the broader global trend. It coincides with the upcoming UK ban on under-16s using social media, while Australia's adolescent ban has been challenged by VPN workarounds, and New Zealand has recently dismissed its own restrictions. Even US courts are grappling with control over internet age verification. For now, the UK has opted for evidence-based action over a blanket prohibition.

      Published July 16, 2026 - 2:56 pm UTC