The UK government has decided not to impose restrictions on virtual private networks (VPNs) for 16- and 17-year-olds, despite concerns about their use to bypass social media age limits. This decision comes as Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer confirms a new social media curfew, banning access between midnight and 6am for younger users.
VPNs, which can mask a user’s location to circumvent online age checks, were considered a potential loophole in enforcing age-appropriate online access. However, government research revealed only seven to ten percent of children use VPNs to evade these safeguards. Officials also expressed concerns that restricting VPN use could infringe upon free speech rights.
Highlighting the new curfew, Dame Rachel de Souza, children’s commissioner for England, emphasized that young people do not want outright bans but do seek protection from addictive features like endless scrolling. “We must listen to young people. They want safeguarding measures, not prohibitions,” she stated, adding her commitment to monitoring the policy’s implementation and advocating for Ofcom to fully leverage its powers to protect children online.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall explained the curfew’s benefits, noting it helps young people get essential sleep, focus on education, and spend quality time with family and friends—factors vital for their long-term well-being. “Our goal is to ensure young people enjoy technology’s advantages while thriving in a safer digital environment,” she said.
The government’s curfew trials have demonstrated improved sleep patterns among youth, increased family interaction, and eased parental concerns. “These findings confirm what parents have experienced: when social media use is moderated, real positive effects follow,” Ms. Kendall concluded.