Italy’s Entry into Age Verification Mandates

Italy is set to implement mandatory age verification for adult websites starting November 12, joining a growing list of European nations tightening online content controls. The Italian Communications Regulatory Agency, AGCOM, has outlined requirements for 48 specified platforms to ensure users are over 18 before accessing explicit material. This move aligns with the European Union’s pilot program, where Italy is one of five countries testing age assurance technologies, including the EU’s T-Scy app for verification.

The policy stems from the Caivano Decree, aimed at protecting minors from harmful content. Websites must adopt secure methods that minimize personal data collection, complying with EU guidelines. However, critics argue this could compromise user privacy, as verification often involves sharing sensitive information like government IDs or biometric data.

Rising VPN Demand Amid Privacy Concerns

In response to similar laws elsewhere, virtual private network (VPN) usage has surged. For instance, in the UK, where age checks rolled out in July 2025 under the Online Safety Act, VPN sign-ups spiked dramatically. According to TechRadar, Proton VPN reported a 1,400% hourly increase in sign-ups starting July 25, as users sought to bypass restrictions anonymously.

France has also enforced comparable measures, requiring age verification for pornographic sites since 2024. These policies have driven users toward VPNs to maintain privacy, but regulators like the UK’s Ofcom warn against such circumvention, citing potential risks from unreliable providers. Experts from WIRED highlight that while VPNs offer a workaround, they underscore broader threats to open internet access and free expression.

Security Risks and Technological Challenges

The implementation in Italy emphasizes “double anonymity,” where third-party verifiers handle data without revealing identities to content providers. AGCOM admits, however, that VPNs can easily evade these checks by masking IP addresses, as noted in reports from Punto Informatico. This vulnerability raises questions about the effectiveness of such laws, potentially pushing users to unregulated corners of the web.

Privacy advocates decry the measures as a “privacy tradeoff.” A TechRadar analysis quotes experts warning of data breaches, similar to those seen in US telecom hacks, where verified user information becomes a target for cybercriminals.

Broader Implications for Global Internet Policy

As more jurisdictions adopt age verification—Arizona in the US recently joined the fray—the trend could reshape digital habits worldwide. Biometric Update notes that acceptable systems must align with EC white-label technologies, fostering standardization but also centralizing control over personal data.

Industry insiders worry about innovation stifling, as smaller platforms struggle with compliance costs. Meanwhile, VPN providers like those profiled in Cybernews promote their services as privacy shields, though they caution that not all VPNs ensure complete anonymity.

Future Outlook and User Adaptations

Looking ahead, the EU’s pilot, discussed on platforms like Reddit’s r/nederlands, sparks debates on halting such expansions through advocacy. In Italy, the list of affected sites includes major players, but enforcement relies on self-regulation, potentially leading to inconsistent application.

Ultimately, while intended to safeguard children, these mandates may inadvertently boost black-market alternatives or erode trust in online ecosystems. As Engadget reports, users are already adapting, signaling a pivotal shift in how privacy, security, and access intersect in the digital age. With France and the UK as precedents, Italy’s rollout could accelerate similar policies across Europe, challenging the balance between protection and personal freedoms.