VPN crackdown may follow online age verification

Online age verification measures, initially implemented to protect minors, may pave the way for stricter regulations on virtual private networks (VPNs). VPNs have evolved from tools for accessing geo-restricted content to essential privacy and security instruments. Their functionality, which includes encrypting user connections and routing traffic through private servers, could attract increased scrutiny from governments and regulatory bodies. This potential crackdown raises concerns about user privacy and the future accessibility of the open internet, as authorities may seek to limit the use of VPNs for circumventing content restrictions or enhancing anonymity.