Use of virtual private networks in the UK has almost doubled since the introduction of laws enforcing age limits on pornography sites last year, according to a report by the media watchdog Ofcom that shows the extent to which people are trying to circumvent the tough new rules. The research shows a sustained higher level of VPN use, with an estimated 2.2 mn daily UK VPN users, compared with 1.2 mn before the rules were introduced in July 2025.

Ofcom also found evidence of children using VPNs, which will support calls for a tougher crackdown on their use in forthcoming government policies banning social media for under‑16s. A quarter of children had used a VPN, allowing them to change their virtual location and bypass UK law. The age checks for porn — which can require credit‑card details — have cut estimated daily visitors by roughly a third, and all of the UK’s top 10 porn sites now have age checks in place.

Ministers are considering imposing age limits on VPNs to stop children accessing porn, though no decision has been taken ahead of Andy Burnham’s incoming government. Ofcom has launched an investigation into Tik Tok over its “age inference” methods, saying they are not sufficient for the planned under‑16 social media ban. The regulator will also work with Google and Bing to prevent children reaching porn sites via search engines.