UK VPN Downloads Spike 1,400% after Online Safety Rule Change

- UK sign-ups for Proton VPN surge 1,400% amid new age verification rules. - Privacy concerns over Online Safety Act drive VPN adoption, creating enforcement challenges. Downloads of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) surged in the United Kingdom after the Online Safety Act's age verification rules took effect on July 25, 2025. On July 27, outlets such as Cryptopolitan, AInvest, and The Times of India reported on the spike, with Swiss-based provider Proton VPN announcing a staggering 1,400% increase in sign-ups from UK users. This surge highlights public concerns about the legislation's impact on privacy and digital freedom. The Online Safety Act, overseen by the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, aims to prevent minors from accessing harmful online content by mandating “age assurance” processes like facial age estimation, credit card checks, or official ID verification. However, privacy advocates warn of risks to digital rights, arguing these measures constitute online surveillance and prompting many UK users to turn to VPNs as a workaround. Proton VPN noted that the spike in sign-ups resembled trends seen during periods of civil unrest, while other providers, such as Nord Security and Super Unlimited, also reported increased demand. As a result, their apps now rank among the top 10 free downloads on Apple’s UK App Store, a trend that reflects widespread discontent and highlights concerns over perceived intrusions into online privacy. Ofcom acknowledged the backlash, stating that age verification is “not a silver bullet,” but the regulator defended the measures as vital for shielding minors from harmful content. Meanwhile, the UK government has reiterated its firm stance, with Technology Secretary Peter Kyle calling the regulations indispensable. Companies that fail to comply with the law face penalties of up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue. Public opposition to the law has gained momentum, with a petition on the UK Parliament’s website to repeal the Online Safety Act garnering over 290,000 signatures. This figure surpasses the 100,000-signature threshold required for a parliamentary debate, yet government officials remain resolute and continue to warn tech companies of severe consequences for non-compliance. The legislation's implications extend beyond the UK, sparking discussions in other democracies considering similar online safety frameworks. However, the surge in VPN use reveals potential enforcement hurdles, forcing policymakers to reconcile the goal of child protection with the protection of privacy rights in open societies.