New UK report recommends children should be blocked from using VPNs — here's why

A new report wants to limit children's access to VPNs. It has warned that children could use VPNs to bypass the new age verification checks implemented as a result of the Online Safety Act and potentially access adult content.

Many have reported success in using one of the best VPNs to bypass age verification checks and the report wants VPNs to be harder to access for under 18s.

The report by the Children's Commissioner's office is "concerned" that even with new rules in place, age verification can be circumvented with a VPN.

VPNs should implement age checks

The report stated: "There are ways children will be able to circumvent the new rules that are meant to address the myriad of problems identified in this report, for example by downloading a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which remain legal software in the UK."

It calls for those using a VPN to access sites hosting adult content to still be "subject to highly effective age assurance."

It recommended the UK government explore "what measures could be taken to prevent children from using VPNs to circumvent provisions in the Online Safety Act."

Amending the Online Safety Act to include additional provisions was suggested. The Children's Commissioner's report said this "would require VPN providers in the UK to put in place highly effective age assurance to screen underage users."

Speaking on BBC Newsnight, the current Children's Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, called for age verification on VPNs. She added that using one to bypass age verification checks was a "loophole that needs closing."

Will VPNs be banned?

As reported by the BBC, a UK government spokesperson said there are no plans to ban VPNs.

This echoes comments Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, made in July 2025. Kyle said the UK wouldn't ban VPNs but would look "very closely" at how they're being used.

Other Labour MPs have called for VPN use to be monitored. In 2022, Sarah Champion proposed an amendment that would give OFCOM the powers to investigate VPNs if they were used to undermine internet regulations.

In July 2025, she tweeted her frustration at the news of a VPN surge in the UK.

The Online Safety Act states that any site caught promoting VPNs as a way to bypass age verification checks could face fines. OFCOM has the power to fine sites up to 10% of global revenue or £18 million – whichever is greater.

It's unlikely the UK will ban VPNs, but we could see increased pressure on VPN providers and further calls for VPNs to be regulated. This would contradict the purpose of VPNs and could be seen as an attempt to restrict our online privacy.