UK Online Safety Act Sparks VPN Boom as Users Seek Workarounds
The UK’s Online Safety Act, which came into effect on July 25, has led to a surge in VPN usage as residents look for ways to bypass new age restrictions. The law requires websites to protect minors from harmful content, including pornography and eating disorder promotion. In response, major platforms like Pornhub, X, and Reddit have either implemented or plan to introduce age verification measures.
For sites relying on user-generated content, enforcing these restrictions is challenging. Many have opted to block under-18s entirely rather than risk non-compliance. However, this has created a new problem: minors turning to free VPNs to regain access, often without understanding the risks involved.
In the days following the law’s enactment, five of the UK’s top 10 most-downloaded free apps were VPNs. While reputable services like Proton VPN and NordVPN exist, the latter lacks a free tier beyond a seven-day trial. Others, such as VPN Super Unlimited Proxy, FreeVPN.org, and Unlimited VPN Proxy, are untested and potentially unsafe.
The dangers of free VPNs cannot be overstated. When using a VPN, all internet traffic routes through the provider’s servers, granting them access to sensitive data. Some exploit this trust—Hola VPN, for instance, openly admits in its terms that it sells user IPs to third parties. Similarly, Hotspot Shield faced FTC complaints in 2017 for sharing identifiable data with advertisers. FreeVPN.org, currently trending in the UK, has no verifiable address and a vague privacy policy.
Malware is another serious concern. A 2016 study found that 38% of Android VPN apps contained malicious code. Recent reports confirm the threat persists, with CYFIRMA uncovering a GitHub-hosted free VPN spreading malware earlier this year.
Ultimately, a truly free VPN has no incentive to protect users. Trustworthy providers will have transparent pricing, recent third-party audits, and clear privacy policies. Proton VPN, hide.me, TunnelBear, and Windscribe are safer free options. As UK residents navigate the Online Safety Act, choosing a reliable VPN is critical to avoiding exploitation.
