UK Considers New Rules on VPNs and Social Media to Protect Children Online
Published
Key Takeaways
- UK VPN consultation: Government launches review as Lords vote to ban VPNs for under-18s.
- House of Lords decision: Peers back VPN restrictions and social media bans for younger users.
- Next steps: Proposal moves to Commons while government gathers public and industry feedback.
The UK government has announced a new consultation focused on improving online safety for children, including the possible regulation of VPN services. The move comes as members of the House of Lords voted in favour of banning VPN use for under-18s, marking a setback for the government’s current approach.
The three-month consultation was announced by Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, who said the process would be based on evidence and public feedback.
Government launches consultation on children’s online safety
The consultation will involve parents, safety groups, technology companies, and young people. Ministers want to understand how tools like VPNs may be used to bypass online protections meant for children.
The review will also cover wider online safety measures, including:
- A possible ban on social media for children under 16
- Limits on companies collecting children’s data without consent
- Overnight restrictions on social media use
- Steps to reduce excessive screen time and “doomscrolling”
According to the government, the goal is to strengthen online protections while balancing safety, privacy, and access to technology.
House of Lords backs VPN ban for under-18s
Shortly after the consultation was announced, the House of Lords voted in favour of an amendment that would ban VPN use for children under 18 and require VPN providers to introduce age verification. Peers also supported a proposal to block social media access for under-16s.
The amendment was passed by 207 votes to 159 and was added to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. It was introduced by Conservative peer Lord Nash and supported by Baroness Benjamin and Baroness Cass.
Some Labour peers had asked for the vote to wait until the consultation was completed, but others said action was overdue. Baroness Kidron, a crossbench peer, criticised delays, saying consultation often leads to inaction.
The amendment will now move to the House of Commons, where the government is expected to try to reverse it due to its large majority.
Political reactions and next steps
Liz Kendall defended the consultation process, saying that listening to different views is the responsible approach. She added that the government aims to reach a clear decision before summer.
Labour MP Andrew Cooper supported the consultation and warned that strict bans could push children toward less regulated online spaces, including VPNs.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the move, calling it unnecessary delay. She said her party supports an immediate ban on social media for children under 16.
Lord Knight, speaking before the vote, acknowledged that VPNs could weaken child safety efforts but warned that banning them could remove important security protections for young users, noting that VPNs are often used to improve device safety.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has been contacted for clarity on whether specific VPN providers will take part in the consultation.
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