The UK government is expected to release further details on potential VPN restrictions in July, following an update from Technology Secretary Liz Kendall. The proposed measures, which include a ban on VPN usage for children, are anticipated to come into effect within 12 months.
Amendment Targets Children's VPN Use
In January, the House of Lords voted to allow an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would prohibit VPN services for children. The amendment states: "Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed the Secretary of State must, for the purpose of furthering the protection and wellbeing of children, make regulations which prohibit the provision to UK children of a Relevant VPN Service."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that more information on further restrictions will be shared this month, with July beginning on Wednesday. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ms Kendall said: "We will make further statements in July about VPNs."
Privacy Experts Warn of Consequences
Romain Digneaux, Public Policy Manager at Proton VPN, cautioned lawmakers: "Imposing age restrictions on VPNs would only make it harder for law-abiding citizens to access tools that protect their privacy and security." Justas Pukys, Senior Product Manager at Surfshark, added: "It would undermine the very privacy architecture these services are built on, mostly affecting ordinary users and reputable providers."
Laura Tyrylyte, Privacy Advocate at NordVPN, stated: "Restricting access to these tools, or requiring identity-linked access to them, would have consequences far beyond the negligible number of users who may seek to circumvent online restrictions." Yegor Sak, CEO of Windscribe, explained that VPNs do not bypass age verification at account or payment levels, noting: "A VPN does not make a 15-year-old look 18. It doesn't create an old account, a credit card, or a verified identity."
Impact on UK Users
Millions of Brits rely on VPNs daily for privacy and security. Critics argue that a ban could expose users to greater risks, while supporters believe it is necessary to protect children online. The government's July announcement is expected to clarify the scope and enforcement of the proposed regulations.
