Britons are being urged to proceed with caution before turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) in response to the new age verification requirements set by the Online Safety Act.
The law, now in effect, aims to protect young users by restricting access to adult and sensitive content unless users verify their age.
Instead of offering anonymous access, some platforms now demand personal details such as full names, email addresses, and even bank information to confirm a user's age.
Although the legislation targets adult websites, many people have reported being blocked from accessing less controversial content, including alcohol-related forums and parts of Wikipedia.
As a result, more users are considering VPNs to bypass these checks. However, cybersecurity experts warn that many VPNs can pose serious risks by exposing users to scams, data theft, and malware. Without proper research, users might install software that compromises their privacy rather than protecting it.
With Ofcom reporting that eight per cent of children aged 8 to 14 in the UK have accessed adult content online, the new rules are viewed as a necessary safeguard. Still, concerns remain about the balance between online safety and digital privacy for adult users.
