VPNs high App Store charts as UK age verification kicks in

Proton VPN, an app provided by Swiss privateness tech agency Proton, advised the BBC it had seen a 1800% spike in UK every day sign-ups over the weekend after age test guidelines took impact on Friday.

A Proton spokesperson stated the UK was now amongst nations producing the very best utilization of its VPN.

“This clearly shows that adults are concerned about the impact universal age verification laws will have on their privacy,” they added.

Rajat Vaghani, vp of engineering at Free VPN – the sixth high free app on the App Store as of Monday – stated it had additionally seen “a significant surge” in new UK-based customers and downloads over the weekend.

It and different free VPN apps showing within the App Store’s high charts on Monday say they show adverts so as to finance and function their companies without spending a dime.

Some say they don’t share data with third-parties, and state they aren’t supposed to be used by youngsters. All state their VPN connections are personal, safe and encrypted.

“While more privacy-conscious users might stick to reputable services… the average person won’t,” stated Mr Card.

“They’ll download the first free app with decent reviews, often without realising they’re handing over access to their data.”

Additional reporting by Chris Vallance.