The enactment of the UK's Online Safety Act, which mandates age verifications for accessing certain online services, has unintentionally led to a marked rise in the use of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). The Open Rights Group (ORG) has expressed concerns over potential attempts to ban or block VPNs as a measure to enforce compliance with the Act. They argue that such actions would not be effective and would demand 'extreme digital authoritarianism.'
The VPN Conundrum
Since age verifications under the Act began, the number of users employing VPNs to bypass these checks has increased significantly. VPN providers, leveraging their international network of servers, allow UK users to connect through jurisdictions without similar age verification requirements. This situation has exposed an evident, yet unresolved, loophole. Children's commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza has identified this as a loophole that warrants closure, though the ORG contends that VPNs themselves aren’t the root problem. Consequently, they have initiated a campaign to address these issues.
Broader Implications
The Online Safety Act's reach extends beyond age verification, influencing services ranging from dating applications to platforms like Spotify, alongside health and political content. Interest in the ORG's campaign might accelerate as these implications further unfold. Even within governmental echelons, such as the House of Lords, questions about the surge in VPN usage have surfaced, signaling growing concern and debate.
Challenges in Regulation
James Baker from ORG has highlighted the complexities involved in attempting to 'age-gate' VPNs, warning that it might inadvertently compromise online safety through other channels. While younger children are less likely to use VPN technology, teenagers have shown adaptability in evading age verifications by alternative means—ranging from proxy sites and Tor networks to peer-to-peer sharing and unauthorized account access.
Meanwhile, adult users largely utilize VPNs due to a pervasive distrust of current age assurance technologies, fearing for their data privacy. A potential remedy, as suggested by some, lies in the development and implementation of enhanced data protection standards for these age checks. By reinforcing privacy protocols, the government might alleviate user concerns, potentially reducing reliance on VPNs.
The Feasibility Dilemma
Technologically, identifying or banning VPNs without resorting to draconian measures is fraught with difficulties. The ORG warns that restrictive approaches could drive users towards unsafe proxies and other undesirable alternatives, complicating online security efforts further. As discussions continue, a balanced approach that safeguards both online safety and user privacy may provide a more sustainable and effective resolution.
