Free VPNs are among the many most downloaded apps in UK app storeA surge in downloads follows the introduction of an age verification lawUsers could possibly be placing their privateness in danger with much less respected free VPNsVPNs are actually among the many most downloaded apps in UK app shops following the implementation of age verification. As of July 25, 2025, the UK’s new regulation requires websites internet hosting content material deemed for adults to hold out age verification checks.Web customers within the UK should show they’re over 18 utilizing verification strategies together with facial age estimation – sharing a selfie or video – or importing a type of ID. The brand new regulation additionally impacts social media platforms together with Reddit, X, and Bluesky.Age verification comes as the federal government seems to be to guard minors from dangerous content material, as per the On-line Security Act. Among the greatest VPN apps are actually topping the Apple App Retailer and Google Play Retailer as customers look to bypass age checks.
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(Picture credit score: Future)Free VPNs dominate Apple’s UK App StoreAt the time of writing, Proton VPN leads the highest free apps on the UK’s Apple App Retailer. The Swiss VPN supplier reported a 1,800% enhance in signups within the weekend following the brand new regulation’s implementation.(Picture credit score: Proton)NordVPN, VPN – Tremendous Limitless Proxy, and Free VPN by Free VPN.org additionally make the highest 5 most downloaded free apps within the UK.The rise in VPN downloads comes regardless of Ofcom, the UK’s web regulator, discouraging using VPNs to bypass verification. It informed the BBC it might be unlawful for platforms to advertise VPNs as a method to get round age checks.On the time of writing, over 420,000 individuals have signed a petition to repeal the On-line Security Act, with many involved concerning the privateness dangers that age verification carries.The significance of selecting a good VPNOfcom’s assurances that “robust age checks might be achieved successfully, safely, and in a manner that protects [user] privateness” is probably not sufficient to ease considerations amid latest high-profile knowledge breaches.A VPN, or Digital Personal Community, is a privateness device that encrypts your web visitors, permitting you to browse privately. By connecting to a VPN server, you may safe your connection to the verification supplier, lowering the chance of points ought to they be victims of a knowledge breach.The difficulty with some free VPNs being amongst these most downloaded by UK app retailer customers is that these apps could log extreme knowledge, figuring out customers and placing privateness in danger. They could additionally lack important security measures – akin to robust encryption – that assist hold consumer knowledge protected.Proton VPN Free, from privacy-first firm Proton, being essentially the most downloaded free VPN app, means that UK web customers are, a minimum of, placing privateness first of their quest for entry. It is among the many greatest free VPNs, providing Swiss privateness and prime security measures for no price.UK web customers seeking to browse the web privately even have the choice of paid VPN suppliers, a few of which provide free trials. Most have money-back ensures of a minimum of 30 days, making it attainable to strive their providers risk-free and request a refund if unhappy.Proper now, the most effective paid VPN is NordVPN. It has among the quickest speeds round, rock-solid safety, and a bunch of added options that make your on a regular basis simpler. Plus, TechRadar readers can completely declare as much as $50 in Amazon reward vouchers and 4 months free after they enroll.Extra of at the moment’s greatest VPN offers
