Age Verification Laws Send VPN Use Soaring—and Threaten the Open Internet

The article discusses the impact of age verification laws on internet usage in the UK. The law, which requires users to verify their age to access adult content, has resulted in a significant increase in VPN (Virtual Private Network) downloads. This trend is concerning to experts, who view it as a threat to the open and free nature of the internet. VPNs allow users to bypass age verification requirements and access content anonymously, effectively circumventing the intended purpose of the law. The surge in VPN usage highlights concerns about the potential for such laws to undermine privacy, digital rights, and the overall accessibility of the internet. Experts warn that these age verification laws, intended to protect minors, could have unintended consequences, such as limiting free expression and access to information online. The article suggests that the rise in VPN use demonstrates the public's desire to maintain their online privacy and autonomy, which may clash with the government's efforts to regulate internet content.