New Delhi: The United Kingdom has officially rolled out one of the world’s strictest age verification laws for online pornography, aiming to shield minors from explicit content. However, the move has sparked a sharp backlash, with VPN usage surging and privacy advocates raising alarms over digital freedom and data security.
Law comes into effect amid Controversy
The new regulation, effective from July 25, mandates that any website offering adult content to users in the UK must implement “highly effective” age verification checks to ensure all users are over 18. These checks may include photo ID uploads, facial recognition, or credit card verification. Simple age declarations or checkboxes are no longer deemed sufficient.
Platforms such as Pornhub, RedTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit now fall under the regulation’s scope. UK media regulator Ofcom has warned that non-compliance could result in fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover.
VPN searches skyrocket by 700%
In response to the new restrictions, Google Trends data reveals that searches for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in the UK have skyrocketed by more than 700%, suggesting that many users are seeking ways to bypass the verification process.
VPNs allow users to mask their geographical location, making it appear as though they’re accessing the internet from countries without such regulations. Experts say this loophole undermines the law’s effectiveness and could shift user behaviour to less regulated, potentially riskier corners of the internet.
