UK MPs Consider Bringing VPNs Under Online Safety Act Rules
Published
- MPs raise VPN concerns: Lawmakers fear children use VPNs to bypass age checks under Online Safety Act.
- Responsibility on VPN firms: MPs suggest VPN providers should implement age verification, not just websites.
- Government monitoring usage: Ofcom is tracking VPN trends; government may introduce stricter UK VPN regulation measures.
UK lawmakers are discussing whether Virtual Private Network (VPN) services should face stricter rules under the country’s Online Safety Act (OSA). The issue came up during a recent debate in Parliament that focused on public concerns and possible gaps in the law.
The discussion reflects growing worry among MPs that VPNs may be allowing children to bypass age verification systems that were introduced to protect them online.
MPs Raise Concerns Over VPN Use
During the debate, several MPs said that VPN usage needs closer examination for the Online Safety Act to work effectively. VPNs are commonly used to protect online privacy, but lawmakers fear that children may also be using them to avoid age checks on websites and apps.
Peter Fortune, Conservative MP for Bromley and Biggin Hill, asked whether the government agrees that VPN use must be reviewed to ensure the success of the Online Safety Act.
Labour MP Jim McMahon also questioned why VPN providers are not currently included in the legislation. He argued that it is difficult for websites to identify users if they are accessing services through a VPN. According to him, the responsibility should fall on VPN companies to comply with age verification rules.
Government Says Action Is Already Underway
Responding to these concerns, UK Minister for Digital Government and Data Ian Murray said the government is already monitoring the situation. Media regulator Ofcom is reportedly tracking VPN usage to understand how these tools are being used in relation to the Online Safety Act.
Murray added that the government is prepared to take stronger steps if needed. However, he did not give clear details on what those future measures might involve.
Possible Age Checks on VPNs and Devices
Some MPs suggested possible solutions during the debate. Julia Lopez, Conservative MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, said the government should look at wider age-gating measures. These could include applying age checks to VPN apps, app stores, or even at the device level to close loopholes.
The discussion comes shortly after members of the House of Lords proposed an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. That amendment suggests banning VPN use for children and would require VPN providers to verify the age of all UK users.
What UK VPN Regulation Means Going Forward
Many people in the UK began using VPNs more frequently after mandatory age verification rules came into force in July. While most users are believed to be adults protecting their privacy, MPs remain concerned about misuse by minors.
The recent debate shows that UK lawmakers are increasingly open to regulating VPN services, even though they are widely used for privacy and security. For now, no new rules have been confirmed, but VPN regulation is likely to remain a key topic as discussions around the Online Safety Act continue.
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