Unwarranted Assaults on VPN Services Pose a Threat to Digital Security

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become a topic of significant interest and debate. Recently, Russia passed restrictive VPN laws, joining a growing list of countries that heavily restrict VPN usage.

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) called for VPNs to impose "dynamic blocking" in its bid to combat piracy back in June. This call to action seems to have gained traction, with five EU member states - France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece - currently trialling an age verification app aimed at protecting children.

The use of VPNs has been a contentious issue, particularly when it comes to protecting minors. In the UK, the Children's Commissioner's office recommended that children be banned from using VPNs. However, the UK government has stated there are no plans to ban VPNs in response to this report.

The debate over VPN usage has been heated, with Labour MP Sarah Champion warning the government about the possibility of increased VPN usage. Dame Rachel de Souza, the current Children's Commissioner, called for age verification on VPNs, stating that using one to bypass age checks is a "loophole that needs closing."

However, integrating age verification checks into VPN services may not be straightforward. Leading VPN providers have strict no-logs policies and collect minimal user information, making it unlikely that they would introduce age verification checks. On the other hand, many online platforms in the UK have started requiring age verification through specialized third-party services since July 25, 2023, as part of the Online Safety Act aimed at protecting minors.

The trials follow the introduction of the EU's Digital Services Act. In France, VPNs were ordered to block illegal streaming sites following a court victory for Canal+ in May. Attacks on VPN usage have been seen in countries like Venezuela, Pakistan, and Myanmar in recent months.

In the US, eight states have pending bills for age verification laws, and eight have had failed bills. Champion proposed an amendment to the Online Safety Act in 2022, calling for OFCOM to have the ability to investigate VPNs if they were used to undermine internet regulations.

Amidst these restrictions, it's worth noting that free emergency VPNs are available for those living under internet restrictions. The surge in VPN usage in the UK following the implementation of the Online Safety Act in July 2025, underscores the importance of these tools for many internet users.

As the global conversation around VPNs continues to evolve, it's clear that these digital tools will remain a crucial part of the internet landscape, providing a means for users to navigate the complexities of online censorship and access the information they need.