Ofcom reports that the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) in the UK is doubling, with regulators finding evidence that some users—particularly children—use VPNs to get around online restrictions related to pornography. According to the regulator, more people are turning to VPN services to circumvent age-verification and other safeguards intended to limit access. Ofcom’s findings point to children using the technology to bypass checks designed to prevent underage access. The report frames VPN use as a growing concern for online safety compliance, since VPNs can obscure users’ location and undermine certain geo-restrictions or identity-based controls. The regulator’s assessment indicates that, while VPNs can have legitimate uses, their increasing adoption is affecting the effectiveness of current measures. Ofcom’s work focuses on identifying risks to children and informing how platforms and service providers respond to attempts to defeat safeguards. The findings are based on Ofcom’s regulatory review and evidence gathered in relation to compliance with online porn curbs and age-check requirements.