UK government considers age-gating VPN use for under-16 social media ban (birminghammail.co.uk)

• UK Labour government considers age-restricting VPNs as part of under-16 social media ban.
• Children's minister Josh MacAlister suggested age-gating VPNs.
• Technology secretary Liz Kendall to make statement in July; commissioned additional research.
• Government launched consultation on online risks, including AI chatbots and VPN restrictions.
• Ofcom studying effectiveness and privacy of age verification methods.
• Baroness Liz Lloyd: No complete VPN ban planned.
• Search data shows teenagers seeking workarounds immediately after announcement.

"The UK Labour government is considering age-restricting VPN usage as part of its planned social media ban for under-16s. Children's minister Josh MacAlister suggested age-gating VPNs. Technology secretary Liz Kendall said she will make a statement in July and has commissioned additional research. The government launched a consultation on online risks to children, including AI chatbots and VPN restrictions. Ofcom is studying the effectiveness and privacy implications of different age verification methods. Baroness Liz Lloyd clarified there are no plans to ban VPNs entirely."