VPN Demand Surges as Porn Users Evade New Age Verification Mandates
UK’s New Porn Age Checks Drive Surge in VPN Searches
Britain’s new age-verification laws for accessing pornography, enacted on July 25, have sparked a 700% spike in VPN searches as users seek to bypass strict ID requirements. Major platforms like Pornhub, RedTube, and social networks including Reddit and X now mandate proof of age via photo ID, facial scans, or credit card checks.
How Are Users Reacting?
VPNs, which mask a user’s location, saw searches surge as the laws took effect. Critics argue these tools—and darker corners of the internet—remain accessible. Marcus Johnstone, a criminal defense solicitor, warns the rules won’t deter access to forums or the dark web, where exploitation often occurs.
Ofcom’s Role and Penalties
Ofcom enforces the rules, threatening fines up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue for non-compliance. The regulator confirmed investigations into services could begin as early as this week.
Why the Crackdown?
Oliver Griffiths of Ofcom compares the laws to age restrictions on alcohol or gambling: "For too long, children have been a click away from harmful content." The measures aim to balance adult access with child safety.
How Do Age Checks Work?
Platforms must use "highly effective" methods like:
- Photo-ID matching (e.g., passport scans)
- Facial age estimation
- Credit card or mobile network operator checks
- Email-based verification
Privacy Concerns
While providers like Verifymy claim checks can be "simple" (e.g., email verification), critics highlight privacy risks. Iain Corby of the Age Verification Providers Association notes users have long resisted sharing IDs with adult sites.
Broader Context: The Online Safety Act
Part of the 2023 Online Safety Act, these rules follow years of debates. Previous attempts in 2017 under the Digital Economy Act stalled due to privacy concerns. Advocates say the current laws are a "step forward" but stress vigilance to protect data.
Child Exposure Statistics
Ofcom reports alarming trends:
- 8% of UK children aged 8-14 accessed porn monthly.
- 3% of 8–9-year-olds visited adult sites.
- Boys (13-14) were most likely to view content (19% vs. 11% of girls).
UK Sites with Age Checks
- Pornhub, RedTube, YouPorn
- Social platforms: Reddit, X, Grindr
- Others: Cam4, Stripchat, Streamate
While the laws aim to protect minors, their effectiveness hinges on compliance and addressing loopholes. As VPN usage climbs, the balance between privacy and safety remains in focus.
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