Proton VPN experiences massive surge in sign-ups following UK age verification law

Proton VPN has reported a significant surge in new sign-ups, seeing an increase of 1,400% in hourly registrations on July 25, 2025, the day the UK’s Online Safety Act came into force. This law mandates age verification for websites with explicit content, including adult sites and dating apps. The spike in sign-ups suggests that many users are seeking to maintain privacy in light of the new law. Proton VPN, which has servers in over 120 countries, has previously experienced similar surges in other countries with similar laws. The VPN allows users to hide their real IP address and spoof their location, making it a useful tool for bypassing age verification measures. The rise in interest also shows concerns over privacy and data protection among internet users. Proton VPN anticipates further increases in sign-ups over the weekend. This change in the UK will affect various adult sites, including Pornhub, and dating platforms like Tinder and Hinge, which will have to comply with the new regulations. As VPN usage grows, questions about the effectiveness of enforcing age verification laws globally have arisen.