VPN ban update for UK households as government looks at 'age-gate'
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
UK government may age-gate VPNs as part of under-16 social media ban.
The UK Labour government, as part of an under-16 social media ban, is considering age-gating VPN use. Children's minister Josh MacAlister said options exist to age-gate VPNs. Technology secretary Liz Kendall will make a statement on VPNs in July. Ofcom told the government more work is needed on methods, availability of identity attributes at 16, and privacy considerations. The government launched a consultation on restricting children's use of AI chatbots and VPNs where they undermine safety protections. Kendall said she commissioned additional research because she was not happy with the evidence.
What commenters are saying
Commenters are skeptical of the proposal. Several note that attempts to restrict VPNs are akin to building a 'Great Firewall of UK,' with one suggesting it will be easily circumvented by the technically adept. Another argues that the real issue is not VPNs, but social media companies like Meta that knowingly harm children, and that the government is connected to Epstein associates in its own ranks. A counterpoint acknowledges that while workarounds exist, a ban at the App Store/payment-processor level would significantly cut mainstream usage, as most people are not 'geeks.'