Searches for virtual private networks (VPNs) have surged across the UK following the rollout of new legislation requiring adult websites to verify users’ ages — with Wales seeing the largest spike at 589%.
The new laws, part of the Online Safety Act, mandate strict age verification checks for porn sites, from credit card authentication and facial scans to ID uploads. Users found new obstacles to accessing explicit content when the changes came into force last Friday — and many appear to be looking for ways around them.
The UK-wide increase in VPN searches hit 112% in the hours following implementation. Northern Ireland rose by 331%, Scotland by 160%, and England, which saw the lowest spike, still climbed by 99%.
That sharp public reaction isn’t surprising, according to Katie Freeman-Tayler from children’s safety group Internet Matters: “VPN use is only likely to increase now these measures have come in. Users just don’t trust the systems that have been introduced.”
One BBC News reader summed up public sentiment: “Sure, I will give out my sensitive information to some random, unproven company or… I will use a VPN.”
Regulator insists it has ‘teeth’ as watchdogs call for stronger action
Dame Melanie Dawes, chief executive of Ofcom, says the regulator is prepared to enforce penalties for platforms that fail to comply. Sites found violating the rules could face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue.
“We’ve shown we’ve got teeth,” she told BBC Radio 4. “Judge us by the impact we secure.”
But some campaigners remain sceptical. The Molly Rose Foundation — named after 14-year-old Molly Russell, who took her own life after being exposed to harmful content — called the measures “a sticking plaster” and said they lacked real accountability.
Earlier testing by BBC journalists suggested gaps in enforcement, with one able to register on a major adult site using only an email address, bypassing age verification entirely.
New laws, new fears
The government says the measures will protect children from exposure to harmful content. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the changes represent a “different internet” for families and young people moving forward.
But users have voiced concern over the invasiveness of the verification tools. Some sites require facial scans or official ID uploads — methods many adults find uncomfortable.
Cyber security expert Chelsea Jarvie explained: “The verification systems are technically sound, but users who want anonymity will turn to tools like VPNs. It’s not a failure of tech — it’s a question of trust.”
Talking Kinky calls for better conversations, not just digital gatekeeping
Sex educators Tom and Isabelle from Talking Kinky say the new restrictions will only work if supported by better sex education at home.
“Current sex education often leaves out crucial elements, like pleasure and emotional connection,” said Isabelle. “It’s like giving teens a cookbook without recipes.”
Tom added: “Abstinence-only messages aren’t effective. Teens will still explore sexuality — but without proper guidance, they’ll rely on unreliable sources.”
Both advocate for open, honest conversations between parents and children that go beyond risk-avoidance.
“When parents talk openly about pleasure,” said Isabelle, “teens are less likely to turn to anonymous sites to answer crucial questions.”
What’s next for platforms?
Major sites including Pornhub and Reddit have committed to introducing age verification, while X, Discord and Bluesky plan to use facial AI or ID scanning.
Ofcom has asked platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Roblox and YouTube to submit child safety risk assessments by August 7. By September 30, they must detail actions taken to protect younger users.
Whether these efforts will be enough to curb risky content and restore public trust remains an open question.
For now, Wales finds itself at the heart of this growing digital shift — as thousands turn to encrypted tunnels and digital cloaks to navigate an internet rewritten overnight.
