The UK government is facing growing pressure over potential new restrictions on virtual private networks (VPNs), with a petition demanding that under-16s should not be banned from using them. The petition comes amid speculation that the Labour government could impose new rules to prevent minors from bypassing the recently announced social media ban.
Technology Secretary's Comments Spark Debate
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall issued an ominous update over VPNs on BBC Breakfast this week, hinting at possible restrictions. On 15 June, the government announced a social media ban for under-16s. During an LBC interview with Nick Ferrari, Kendall promised to find a solution to the VPN workaround that could undermine the ban.
Petition Gains Momentum
A petition created by Luke Charles has been launched, urging the Labour government not to proceed with any VPN restrictions. Luke writes: 'We call upon the UK Government to reject any calls or lobbying that propose to restrict or ban the use of virtual private networks for children, because of the impact this would have on other VPN users.'
The petition has already garnered 5,000 signatures. If it reaches 10,000, the government will respond; if it hits 100,000, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. The petition highlights: 'An amendment agreed by the House of Lords proposes an addition to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: Action to prohibit the provision of VPN services to children in the United Kingdom. The method and implementation would likely rely on third-party facial scans or ID checks, which we believe are invasive. Such a law would cause massive collateral damage for the millions of current users who rely on VPNs for privacy and security.'
Public Reaction
The proposal has sparked strong reactions on social media. One X user replied to Kendall's interview saying: 'Can we stop calling it an under-16 social media ban? Call it what it actually is: a ban on anonymous social media for everyone. If you can’t or won't prove your identity, you’re out, no matter how old you are.'
A second laughed: 'Just give me a minute, I need to wait for a civil servant to a) Explain what a VPN is and b) Realise I don't get it so they just tell me they're evil and must be banned.'
A third said: 'Liz Kendall's lack of thought and expertise on even the most basic of concepts is a fantastic representation of the current, and much of the former, government. Embarrassing.'
A fourth added: 'Maybe we can take inspiration from North Korea, who send people to labour camps for unauthorised use of a VPN.'
Deadline Looms
The petition from Luke expires on 23 July, giving it a month to achieve the 10,000 signature mark and draw a formal government response.
