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VPN Surge and Game-Character Loopholes Expose Flaws in UK Age-Verification Rollout

Ministers have ruled out banning VPNs, opting to explore device-based age checks that aim to bolster child protections after rapid workarounds emerged.

A stylized image of an unidentified person using a laptop and pressing a digital image of blue tick checkmark floating in the air.
Age Verification Doesn’t Need to Be a Privacy Footgun
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Overview

  • Ofcom has begun assessing whether adult content platforms have installed the approved ‘highly effective’ age-verification methods required under the Online Safety Act.
  • Demand for VPNs spiked over 6,000%, and users bypassed facial-scan systems by uploading images of photo-realistic video-game characters such as Death Stranding’s protagonist.
  • YouGov polls show nearly 70% of British adults back the new age checks, yet 64% believe they will not prevent under-18s from accessing adult content.
  • Privacy and security experts warn that submitting photos, ID or biometric data to third-party verifiers risks exposing users to harassment, blackmail and data breaches.
  • The government is not considering a VPN ban and is weighing device-based verification models that use a one-time operating-system age check to protect minors and safeguard user privacy.