UK VPN demand soars after debut of Online Safety Act

Searches and sign-ups for VPN providers have surged in the wake of online age checks that were introduced on July 25 as part of the UK's Online Safety Act.

ProtonVPN reported a more than 1,400 percent increase in sign-ups in the UK after age verification requirements took effect.

"Unlike previous surges, this one is sustained, and is significantly higher than when France lost access to adult content," it said. In June, a French law took effect requiring adult websites to verify users.