VPNs Dominate App Store Amid New Regulations

Virtual Private Network (VPN) apps have exploded in popularity, topping Apple’s App Store download charts in the UK following the implementation of stringent age verification rules on adult websites such as PornHub and Reddit. This shift, which went into effect on Friday, has prompted users to seek ways around the new restrictions.

VPNs allow users to mask their geographical location, essentially letting them browse the internet as if they are in another country. This ability has made them a popular choice for those looking to bypass the mandates of the Online Safety Act, which requires platforms with adult content to verify the ages of their users.

As of Monday morning, strikingly, half of the top ten free apps in the UK App Store were VPN services, with reports of some developers witnessing an astonishing 1,800% increase in downloads.

The Risks of Free VPNs

However, experts warn that many free VPN apps carry significant risks. Daniel Card, a cybersecurity expert, highlighted that these services often have vulnerabilities that can jeopardize user security. "Many of these free VPNs are riddled with issues," he stated, cautioning that some serve as a front for data harvesting, while others may leave users open to cyber attacks.

Despite these risks, many individuals, including both minors and adults, turn to these services to access age-restricted content. "People will take risks to get what they want online," Card noted, underscoring a troubling truth in the wake of new online safety measures.

Concerns Over Accessibility for Children

Katie Freeman-Tayler from the children's safety group Internet Matters expressed concern regarding the easy accessibility of free and low-cost VPNs for children. This ease puts essential protections from the Online Safety Act, like age checks, at serious risk.

In response to these developments, Ofcom has mandated that platforms must not host or encourage content that enables users to circumvent age verification checks. The UK government echoed this sentiment, declaring it illegal for platforms to facilitate such actions.

Privacy Concerns Drive VPN Usage

Proton VPN, a service known for prioritizing user privacy, reported a staggering 1800% surge in UK sign-ups over the weekend as age check regulations took effect. Their spokesperson indicated that privacy-conscious adults are increasingly turning to alternative solutions due to concerns over how these rules might impact their online privacy.

Rajat Vaghani, of Free VPN, noted a similar trend, emphasizing significant growth in new UK-based users. While many free VPNs advertise themselves as secure and private, experts warn that the average user may not understand the risks involved when opting for these services.

As the digital landscape evolves under new regulations, the popularity of VPNs is likely to continue, raising critical questions about safety, privacy, and the unintended consequences of age verification laws.