Millions of households in the United Kingdom are now facing changes in accessing the internet. New regulations have been put in place to prevent minors from viewing adult content online, requiring verification of age before granting access.
The UK regulatory body Ofcom has introduced these measures in response to the growing concern over underage individuals visiting explicit websites. According to Ofcom, this shift represents a significant alteration in how adults in the UK can access pornography, aiming to safeguard children from harmful online content.
Under the updated rules, individuals attempting to enter specific web pages must provide credit card or personal information to gain entry. While the intention is to protect children from inappropriate material, experts warn of potential cybersecurity risks associated with the new verification process. Concerns have been raised about the possible exploitation of the system by scammers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities.
Jake Moore, a Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET, highlighted potential privacy and security threats posed by the collection of sensitive data such as identification uploads and financial details. In response to these concerns, many individuals are turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as a workaround to bypass the restrictions. VPNs can conceal IP addresses and make it appear as if users are accessing websites from different locations.
Despite the immediate appeal of free VPN services, users should be cautious as they often lack robust security features. The EC-Council University warns that free VPN providers may not have the resources to maintain strong security protocols, leaving users susceptible to cyber threats like malware and hacking. Additionally, free VPNs may compromise users’ privacy by logging and selling their data to third-party advertisers.
Mozilla’s team advises thorough research before installing a VPN to ensure the product’s safety. While free VPNs may seem enticing, paying for a secure and reliable service is likely the best option to safeguard online activities. It is crucial for users to understand the risks associated with free VPNs, which may compromise their online privacy in exchange for a seemingly cost-free service.