British citizens are increasingly relying on proxies instead of VPNs to bypass age verification, potentially exposing their data to potential risks
In recent months, a series of high-profile data breaches have raised concerns about online privacy and security. Amidst this backdrop, the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in the UK has gained prominence as a more secure option compared to proxies, especially with the implementation of the Online Safety Act and the UK's new age verification checks.
VPNs and proxies, while sharing similarities, have key differences and considerations that make them suitable for different purposes.
Privacy and encryption are two critical aspects that set VPNs apart from proxies. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, offering robust privacy and security against Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and third-party snoopers. Proxies, on the other hand, only route traffic through an intermediary server without encryption, meaning data—including browsing activities—can still be intercepted or monitored.
The UK's Online Safety Act, effective from July 25, 2025, mandates age verification on adult and similar sites, requiring ID uploads or biometric checks. Many UK users have turned to VPNs to bypass these checks legally since VPN use remains legal but is facing increasing government attention. Business users, under regulatory pressure, are shifting from VPNs to proxies for more flexible geo-targeting and compliance reasons, but this poses greater privacy risks as proxies do not encrypt data.
While reputable paid VPNs (e.g., NordVPN, ProtonVPN) ensure strong data protection, many free VPNs pose serious privacy risks by collecting or selling user data. Proxies generally lack the security features of VPNs, which means using proxies to evade age verification may expose users' data more readily.
The trend in the UK shows a surge in VPN app downloads since age verification laws took effect, reflecting users’ preference for encrypted privacy solutions despite governmental scrutiny. Meanwhile, proxy usage is rising among both consumers and businesses, but proxies are less effective at protecting privacy.
In summary, VPNs offer superior privacy protection relative to proxies under the UK's Online Safety Act and age verification regime. Users must choose reputable VPN providers to avoid data risks. Proxies, while sometimes used to evade checks, expose users' data more directly and are less secure.
The increased use of proxies in the UK is driven by businesses looking to carry out market research and make informed decisions about online security tools. However, the UK body regulator, Ofcom, has discouraged the use of VPNs to avoid age verification requirements.
Privacy advocates have serious doubts about the ability of websites and services to secure customer data from breaches. A petition to repeal the Online Safety Act has attracted over half a million signatures, reflecting public concerns about privacy and data protection.
It's essential to remember that while VPNs and proxies offer privacy solutions, they are not foolproof. Users must exercise caution and choose their service providers carefully to ensure their online activities remain secure and private.
