Fears grow that age verification coming to VPNs as a British research firm labels them a 'loophole' — one app developer saw downloads surge by 1,800% in just the first month after the UK's Online Safety Act took effect

European lawmakers and U.S. states are debating limits on VPNs as a way to block age-verification workarounds.

A European Parliamentary Research Service briefing labeled VPNs a loophole, reigniting calls to curb VPN access for minors.

UK and U.S. age-check rules appear to have boosted VPN downloads, while Utah and the UK have floated anti-bypass measures.

Privacy advocates and technical experts warn that restricting VPNs could weaken online privacy and expand internet controls.