People Are Asking: Is the UK Banning VPNs?
Short answer: No, the UK isn’t banning VPNs.
Longer answer: They’re trying to stop people from using VPNs to skip past age checks and content filters.
The confusion started when the Online Safety Act came into force on July 25, 2025, pushing adult websites and other platforms to ask for government IDs, credit cards, or facial scans to prove a visitor’s age.
Millions of people were understandably uncomfortable with that. So what did they do? They downloaded a VPN.
VPN Downloads Just Exploded in the UK
VPNs work by changing your virtual location and encrypting your internet traffic. They’re useful for:
- Keeping your browsing private
- Avoiding tracking from ISPs or ad networks
- Getting around blocks (like those on adult sites or social media)
After the age check rules kicked in, UK downloads of Proton VPN jumped by over 1,800%. NordVPN reported a 1,000% spike. Half the top free apps in the UK? VPNs.
That caught Parliament’s attention.
So… Is It Illegal to Use a VPN Now?
No, VPNs are still legal in the UK.
You can use one to stream, work remotely, protect your data on public Wi-Fi, or browse privately. But under the Online Safety Act:
- Platforms can’t suggest using VPNs to avoid age checks
- Companies or influencers who promote VPNs this way could face fines
- Ofcom may start flagging content or ads that encourage “bypassing protections”
The tool is fine. It’s how it’s talked about that’s the problem.
Why a VPN Ban Would Be a Disaster (and Isn’t Likely)
Some MPs have floated the idea of further restrictions — or even a ban — but here’s why that probably won’t happen:
- VPNs are essential for remote workers, journalists, and everyday users
- Blocking all VPN traffic would break business security and banking tools
- There’s no clean way to ban VPNs without mass surveillance — and that gets messy, fast
Even the most vocal critics of VPN use (like Sarah Champion MP) are only asking for reports — not criminal bans.
How You Can Still Use a VPN — Safely and Legally
Here’s the deal: using a VPN is still your right. You just need to:
✅ Pick a provider that doesn’t make dodgy claims
✅ Use it for privacy, not just to avoid ID checks
✅ Watch out for new guidance (things are shifting fast)
Top VPNs That Work Well in the UK
| VPN Name | Best For | Why We Recommend It |
|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | Maximum privacy | Swiss-based, no-logs, open-source, great for privacy-first users |
| Hide.me | Free access & flexibility | Great free plan, no-logs, RAM servers — ideal for light users |
| CyberGhost | Streaming & ease of use | User-friendly apps, strong speeds |
Quick Q&A
Q: Can I get fined for using a VPN?
Nope. There’s no penalty for personal use — just don’t use it to break the law.
Q: Will Ofcom come after me?
No. Their focus is on platforms and advertisers — not individuals using VPNs privately.
Q: What if VPNs get blocked in future?
If that ever happens, you can switch to tools like Tor, obfuscated servers, or privacy browsers. But right now, regular VPNs still work fine.
What Happens Next?
You can expect:
- More talk in Parliament about VPN use
- Platforms quietly removing VPN links or recommendations
- Continued rise in privacy tools, like zero-knowledge age checks or anonymous ID wallets
Final Word
There’s no VPN ban. Not yet.
But the way VPNs are talked about in the UK is changing — fast.
If you care about keeping your browsing private, now’s the time to pick a provider you trust and use it wisely.
🎯 Try Proton VPN free
🛡️ Or check out our full guide to choosing a privacy-focused VPN
You don’t need to panic.
But you do need to stay informed.
