The government has ruled out plans to ban or restrict virtual private networks (VPNs) as part of the Online Safety Act. The decision was confirmed in the government's response to a public consultation on children's online safety, published on 15 July, two days before Andy Burnham succeeded Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
Consultation on VPN restrictions
On 2 March, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology launched a public consultation on children's online safety. As part of the consultation, the government sought views on whether the use of VPNs should be restricted. The government also asked whether universal age checks should be required to access VPNs, in line with the social media ban for under-16s.
The former Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, had previously told BBC Breakfast that she would be exploring whether to expand age verification to VPNs. However, in the consultation response, the government confirmed that VPNs would not be banned or age-gated.
Leadership change and tech policy
Following the leadership transition, Liz Kendall has been replaced as Technology Secretary by Andy Burnham, the Makerfield MP. In her farewell remarks, Kendall said serving in a Labour government had been “the privilege of my life”, thanked Starmer for his leadership, and pledged loyalty to his successor. “I stand ready to support him in any way I can,” she said of the new prime minister.
Kendall also highlighted the importance of AI and sovereign control, stating: “AI is the most powerful technology of our lifetimes and we need greater leverage and sovereign control to make AI work for Britain and the British people.” She pointed to Sovereign AI, which she described as “a unique initiative that matches the speed of venture with the power of the state”.
Implications for online safety
The decision not to restrict VPNs means that users will continue to have unrestricted access to these tools, which are often used to protect privacy and bypass geo-blocking. The government's response did not propose any alternative measures to address VPN use in relation to the Online Safety Act.
Kendall added: “the choice facing our country isn’t whether we have AI or not, but whether we shape it to our advantage or are left at its mercy and whim.” She also expressed optimism about the future, saying: “Working with the UK’s world leading scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs gives me great hope for our country’s future. If we are to build a modern Britain for a modern age we must do everything we can to support and nurture our world-leading tech sector.”
