VPN usage surges as Online Safety Act 2025 rolls out across the UK

VPN usage has surged in the UK since the introduction of the Online Safety Act, with Brits heading to free services as a result.  According to the Financial Times, VPN usage has increased more than ever since the introduction of the Online Safety Act (OSA), while Google Trends also shows an increase in search queries around VPNs.

VPNs can bypass geographical locks for things like streaming and accessing certain websites. However, cybersecurity experts have warned about the use of free VPNs, as unscrupulous providers can harvest users' data where possible. 

But for those who are thinking about getting a VPN, what does it do, how does the OSA affect this and how can you get a reliable VPN service? Here's a rundown of everything we know.

What is the Online Safety Act 2025?

The Online Safety Act 2025 was introduced on July 25 and is the UK’s new regulatory internet framework, aimed at making the internet safer for children and for everyone. To do this, it demands that some platforms obtain personal information about their users prior to granting them access to the content they host.

This means handing over your driver's license and credit card details. Many sites, such as Reddit, Xbox, Discord, BlueSky and X, now require people to prove their identities in order to allow them to access certain content.

This has led many to feel uncomfortable handing over important documents to try to get full access to the sites they want, leading to a surge in VPN usage. Some websites, like X (formerly Twitter), are urging the Government to change parts of the act because they fear it would threaten free speech.

Selecting a VPN

There are different VPN providers available, it's important to choose a reputable brand that will not hamper internet speed and will protect privacy. It's worth noting it is the consumers responsibility to ensure that use of a VPN is legal and the Express does not encourage any illegal use of a VPN.

When we reviewed ExpressVPN it received five stars, thanks to its super-fast streaming speeds and reliable connection to hundreds of countries around the world. For £3.38 a month, shoppers can get ExpressVPN for two years or customise their subscription.

The package includes four months of free service and offers a 30-day guarantee. If users aren't happy, ExpressVPN will refund the cost with no questions asked, it is worth noting it is not the cheapest option though and it comes with an eight device limit.

However, ExpressVPN isn't the only big-name VPN service on the market. NordVPN is also one of the most popular providers in the UK. NordVPN is currently offering free Amazon vouchers with its two-year plans. One of the few negatives we've found in a previous review of Nord, is it does not come with antivirus built in although it does have 'threat protection'.

Alternatively, Cyberghost VPN is available for those on a tighter budget. This provider excels in streaming and offers two-year plans for £1.92 a month. However, some users have previously reported potential issues with the app's interface, which could be a consideration for consumers.

For consumers happy to spend £3.38 a month, ExpressVPN's high-speed global server network covers 105 different countries and 170+ locations in total, with bandwidth support up to 10 Gbps. It has strict privacy policies, including a no-logs policy pledging to never retain personal user data. This commitment has been independently audited by the likes of KMPG UK.

ExpressVPN also bundles a password manager,dubbed ExpressVPN Keys, to all subscribers at no extra cost. While this functionality is found in some rival VPN services, it's not always included in the set monthly fee.

What is a VPN and how does it help?

VPNs (or virtual private networks) create a secure tunnel and pipe all a user's online traffic through it. That includes everything from the web browser as well as any apps, streaming video services, video calls and messaging apps, torrent downloads, and more.

This protective layer of encryption prevents bad actors on the same Wi-Fi network from peeking at the data being sent between users and the websites. This is why it's a good idea to use them when accessing online life from public Wi-Fi networks, like those found in airports and coffee shop chains.

A VPN can also be used to stream movies and TV shows from abroad, whether using a laptop, tablet or smartphone. With one installed, consumers can change their IP address and sign into streaming services like ITVX or BBC iPlayer even when outside of the UK, allowing them to watch a tv series as normal.