Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 11:06 am on 4 December 2025.
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
My noble friend highlights the complexity of some of these issues and the importance of understanding exactly the use of VPNs by adults and children, and whether they are indeed being used to circumvent the age-assurance aspects of the Online Safety Act. ofcom, as it set out this morning, is researching the use of VPNs in many areas, particularly their use by children of all ages—older as well as younger children.
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