Restrictions on Content Lead to Increased VPN Usage in the United Kingdom

• Restrictions on content in the United Kingdom have led to an increase in the use of VPNs.
• Free VPNs may not protect users' data.
• Experts recommend using only verified paid VPNs.

On July 25, 2025, a law came into effect in the United Kingdom regarding online safety. This law requires websites to protect children from content considered harmful, including pornography. As a result, many popular sites, such as Pornhub, Reddit, and X, began implementing video barriers.

In an effort to bypass new restrictions, many users in the United Kingdom started using virtual private networks (VPNs). In the first days after the introduction of the law, five of the ten most downloaded free apps in the United Kingdom turned out to be VPNs. Some of them, such as Proton VPN and NordVPN, are verified, while three other programs are dubious and unreliable.

Users should be cautious, as free VPNs can pose a serious risk. Free programs often lack reliable data protection mechanisms. For example, some free VPNs may sell users' personal information. Research from 2016 showed that 38% of the 283 analyzed apps with VPN functionality contained harmful malware.

Experts advise users to avoid free VPNs and choose only verified paid services. It is recommended to use VPNs that have a clear pricing structure and are independently audited over the last three years.

Tags: Europe/Politics/Technology