EU Warns VPNs Are Loophole in Age‑Verification Rules
Review VPN compliance and plan for age‑verification controls to meet upcoming EU regulations.
Assess your VPN service for age‑verification compliance and update your privacy policies accordingly.
Summary
The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) warned that virtual private networks are increasingly used to bypass online age‑verification systems, calling the trend a loophole that needs closing. The warning comes as several EU member states and the UK have enacted mandatory age‑verification laws that require platforms to confirm users’ ages before granting access to adult or age‑restricted content. VPN usage surged after these laws took effect, with the UK seeing VPN apps dominate download charts. The EPRS notes that some policymakers and child‑safety advocates are calling for VPN services themselves to require age verification.
The report also highlights technical flaws in the EU Commission’s official age‑verification app, which stored biometric images unencrypted and allowed bypasses. It describes emerging “double‑blind” verification systems, such as France’s, that confirm age without revealing identity. Utah became the first US state to enact a law targeting VPN use in age verification, defining user location by physical presence rather than IP address. The EPRS suggests that future EU Cybersecurity Act updates could impose child‑safety requirements on VPN providers. Regulators warn that forcing age verification on VPNs could weaken anonymity protections and raise surveillance risks. The article underscores the need for VPN providers to prepare for stricter oversight.
Key changes
- EU warns that VPNs are used to bypass age‑verification systems, labeling it a loophole.
- VPN usage surged after mandatory age‑verification laws in the UK and other EU states.
- The EU Commission’s age‑verification app stored biometric images unencrypted, exposing vulnerabilities.
- Emerging double‑blind verification systems (e.g., France) confirm age without revealing identity.
- Utah’s SB 73 defines user location by physical presence, targeting VPN use in age verification.
- Future EU Cybersecurity Act updates may impose child‑safety requirements on VPN providers.
- Regulators caution that age‑verification on VPNs could weaken anonymity and increase surveillance.
- VPN providers should prepare for stricter oversight and potential regulatory changes.