In the escalating debate over online age verification, industry experts are pushing back against fears that virtual private networks (VPNs) could undermine new regulations. According to a recent analysis, governments need not resort to outright bans on these privacy tools to enforce age assurance measures effectively.

The Age Verification Providers Association (AVPA), a key industry group, argues that digital platforms can integrate VPN detection mechanisms to maintain compliance without stifling user privacy. By identifying when a user is masking their location via a VPN, services could prompt individuals to either confirm their age through verified methods or disclose their actual geographic position, ensuring that age-restricted content remains inaccessible to minors.

Challenges in Detection and Compliance

This approach, as outlined in a TechRadar report, positions VPNs not as an insurmountable barrier but as a manageable element in the age verification ecosystem. Experts emphasize that while VPNs can reroute traffic and obscure IP addresses, advanced detection technologies—ranging from behavioral analysis to IP reputation scoring—can flag their use with high accuracy.

However, implementing such systems raises questions about scalability and potential overreach. Platforms would need to balance enforcement with user experience, avoiding false positives that might frustrate legitimate adult users. The AVPA’s guidance suggests that this detection should be paired with user-friendly options, such as biometric age estimation or document uploads, to minimize friction.

Privacy Implications Amid Rising VPN Demand

The surge in VPN adoption, particularly in regions like the UK following the enforcement of the Online Safety Act, underscores the tension between regulation and privacy. Data from providers like Proton VPN, as reported in another TechRadar article, shows sign-ups spiking by over 1,400% in late July 2025, as users sought ways to bypass age checks.

Privacy advocates, including those from Big Brother Watch cited in a The Register piece, warn that mandating location or age proofs could lead to data leaks, especially if verification databases are not securely managed. The AVPA counters that anonymized verification processes can mitigate these risks, allowing compliance without collecting excessive personal information.

Government Stance and Future Enforcement

UK officials, including the science secretary, have explicitly stated there are no plans to ban VPNs, per insights from TechRadar coverage. Instead, the focus is on monitoring usage patterns to refine regulations, acknowledging VPNs’ role in cybersecurity and free expression.

Yet, as age verification laws expand globally—from the US to India—experts predict ongoing adaptations. In the US, similar concerns about privacy erosion have prompted calls for encrypted alternatives, as noted in a TechRadar analysis, though VPNs alone are deemed insufficient for total anonymity.

Balancing Innovation and Regulation

Ultimately, the AVPA’s framework promotes innovation in verification tech, such as AI-driven age estimation that avoids storing sensitive data. This could set a precedent for other jurisdictions, reducing the need for draconian measures like VPN bans.

As the digital realm evolves, stakeholders must navigate these complexities to protect minors without eroding fundamental privacy rights. Industry insiders anticipate that collaborative standards, rather than prohibitions, will define the path forward, ensuring age assurance enhances online safety without compromising user freedoms.