VPN downloads spike as Australia’s age verification laws begin

In Short:
– Australians increased VPN downloads as new age verification laws for adult content were implemented on March 9.
– Critics warn these laws may lead to heightened surveillance and privacy concerns due to user data collection.

Australians increased virtual private network (VPN) downloads as new age verification laws for adult content took effect.These regulations require platforms to verify users are over 18 or face substantial fines.

VPN Surge

The Canadian-owned Pornhub and its affiliates initiated blocks on Australian users instead of complying with the new rules.

Sensor Tower reported significant rises in VPN app rankings, with VPN Super Unlimited Proxy moving from 40th to 7th place among free iPhone apps.

Proton VPN’s ranking rose from 174th to 19th, while NordVPN climbed from 189th to 13th.

The patterns mirror those observed in the UK after the Online Safety Act was implemented in July 2025.

UK users experienced a 1,400 percent surge in Proton VPN signups shortly after the law’s enactment.

Privacy Concerns

Critics argue that the verification methods could lead to increased surveillance by creating databases linking user ID and facial data to browsing.

Concerns heightened following a data breach involving Discord that exposed 70,000 government ID images.

Australia’s laws come in the wake of strict digital restrictions, raising questions over enforcement and compliance.

Certain popular adult websites, including XVIDEOS and xHamster, allowed unverified access on the law’s first day.

Legislative efforts in the US are also pushing towards mandatory age verification, which could impact internet privacy further.

Recent discussions highlighted the persistent controversy surrounding age verification laws and their implications for digital rights.