On Monday, Champion proposed an amendment that would require the Secretary of State to publish a report within six months after the Bill is passed, detailing how VPNs affect Ofcom’s ability to implement age verification controls and other protections in the legislation. “If VPNs cause significant issues, the Government must identify those issues and find solutions, rather than avoiding difficult problems,” Champions explained. Champion’s speech, particularly her clause 54 proposal, has sparked fears among users on social media platforms like Reddit about a baseless and ultimately un-democratic legislative crackdown on VPN use. The Online Safety Bill, which has been in the works since May 2021, proposes comprehensive protections for children online and aims to curb illegal online material, tackle misinformation and disinformation, improve online freedom, and regulate how social media platforms operate, among other things. It is expected to come into effect in 2023.
VPNs Could Undermine Children’s Online Safety
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and route your connection via a different server. This spoofs your location and allows you to access the web anonymously. While VPNs can protect users’ privacy, they can also be abused. According to Champion, VPNs threaten the government’s efforts to safeguard children online. She cited statistics from Professor Clare McGlynn that 75 percent of children aged 16 and 17 use or know how to use a VPN. “So if companies use age assurance tools, there is no guarantee that they will provide the protections that are needed. I’m also concerned that the use of VPNs could act as a barrier to removing indecent or illegal material from the internet,” Champion explained. Many people depend on VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions and access content on streaming platforms. But Champion explained that it could also affect the ability to identify users and block content. If Ofcom, the UK’s communication regulator, finds that the use of VPNs undermines the protections in the Online Safety Bill, it is unclear how authorities would seek to regulate VPNs.
The Challenge of Protecting Children Online
British authorities may find it challenging to regulate VPNs because very few VPN companies are based in the country. Also, a ban on VPNs could limit people’s ability to safeguard their privacy online. Attempts to outlaw VPNs would inevitably expose users to more threats. There’s a real possibility that users would continue using VPNs secretly. We’ve seen this happen in China, Russia, and other countries where VPNs are banned. In the U.S., authorities are also working to protect children online. Earlier this year, Lina M. Khan, the chairperson of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), said the organization is on a mission to protect children from Big Data surveillance and data abuses. Are you concerned about the safety of your children online? Check out our guide to internet safety for kids for some time-tested tips.
