The United Kingdom’s new age verification requirement for pornographic sites has led to a surge in users bypassing the system by using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The regulation, introduced by Ofcom, aims to limit access to adult material and protect children from exposure. However, critics argue that this method is invasive, privacy-violating, and exposes all users to unnecessary risks.
The new requirement mandates platforms to use effective age verification methods, such as credit card verification or facial age estimation. But since many platforms determine a user’s location based on IP address, using a VPN becomes an easy workaround. Ofcom has acknowledged this issue, stating that it is illegal for platforms to host content encouraging VPN usage.
Despite the regulation’s intention to protect children from adult material, critics claim that the methods used can lead to increased sexual objectification and stereotypical beliefs about gender roles. Furthermore, requiring users to provide sensitive data or undergo invasive scanning raises concerns about user privacy.
As a result, some argue that limiting access to adult material is not worth the risk of exposing users to such risks. With Google Trends showing a significant increase in VPN searches in the UK since the age verification requirement took effect, it’s clear that many users are taking advantage of this loophole.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/uks-new-age-verification-requirement-thwarted-in-the-simplest-way-imaginable-2000634637