"Businesses that use virtual private networks (VPNs) to secure their computer systems are concerned that they could be inadvertently caught by government plans to restrict their use to people under the age of 16. The government's announcement to limit the use of VPNs by under 16s is part of a wider proposal to restrict the use of social media by school-age children unveiled by the UK prime minister on Monday. However, it is unclear how the proposals will affect businesses, including small companies, that rely on VPNs to secure their computers and to communicate securely."
"TechUK, which represents more than 1,000 tech companies, told Computer Weekly that the proposals didn't appear to have been fully worked out yet and that it was hoping more details would emerge in a government consultation due to be published next month. James Baker, a programme manager and campaigner at the Open Rights Group, said that cyber security authorities including the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, advocate the use of VPNs to enhance online safety. "Implementing age verification for VPNs could undermine their privacy benefits and pose challenges for legitimate users, including young individuals seeking online privacy and security. We risk trading one risk posed to young people for another," he said."
The UK government proposed limiting VPN use by under-16s as part of broader measures targeting social media use by school-age children. The scope and implementation details of the proposals remain unclear, generating concern about unintended impacts on businesses that depend on VPNs for secure communications and systems protection. TechUK cautioned that the proposals appear not fully worked out and expects further detail in an upcoming consultation. Cybersecurity advocates note that national agencies recommend VPNs to enhance safety, while critics warn that age verification could undermine privacy and create burdens for legitimate users and small companies.
Read at ComputerWeekly.com
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