Online Safety Act 2023: Virtual Private Networks

Lord Brennan of Canton Excerpts

Monday 15th September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, many people use VPNs for entirely legitimate purposes. Their use does not negate the protections of the Online Safety Act, particularly when it comes to keeping children safe online. We have seen a significant increase in the use of age-verification tools as UK users attempt to access age-restricted content. Since the child safety duties came into force, the Age Verification Providers Association has reported an additional 5 million age checks being carried out each day in the initial period. The Act is already driving real change and stronger protections for children.

[Lord Brennan of Canton (Lab)]

My Lords, what estimate have the Government made since the implementation of these new regulations of the number of additional VPNs that are being taken up by users in the United Kingdom? If a figure is not immediately available, will the noble Lord write to me and let the House know?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, online providers now have a legal duty to protect children from harmful content. As I said earlier, VPNs are here to stay, and people use VPNs for entirely legitimate purposes. It does not negate the protections which the Online Safety Act has put in place. Those duties prevent children accessing the most dangerous material online, such as pornography and content promoting self-harm or eating disorders. They also protect children from other harmful content, including bullying, abuse or material that encourages dangerous stunts or risky behaviour. The Government will hold services to account. The era of platforms turning a blind eye to the risks that children face online is over.