Children: Age Verification and Virtual Private Networks - Question

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 11:06 am on 4 December 2025.

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Photo of Baroness Lloyd of Effra Baroness Lloyd of Effra Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology), Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade), Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip) 11:06, 4 December 2025

We recognise the international efforts to better protect children online, including in Australia, and we are working with the Australian Government to understand the impact of their policies, including that one. There is currently limited evidence on how many children use VPNs, and the Government are addressing this evidence gap. We welcome any further evidence in this area, such as that quoted by the noble Baroness, Lady Benjamin, to complement our understanding. The Government will ensure that we act where we need to, as we have seen in other areas, and that future interventions are proportionate and evidence based.