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

The noble Lord makes a very good point about the need for accurate, evidence-based research that allows us to take the right action. As noble Lords may have seen, ofcom published a report this morning setting out a number of methods for researching, for example, the use of VPNs by children. We should also examine technological solutions, as well as advice and guidance, and the role of Ofcom in enforcing the requirements of the Online Safety Act.

Ofcom

Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.

Ofcom Web Site http://www.ofcom.org.uk