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How Much Power Should Governments Have Over Your Internet Access?
The UK government made a firm decision. They said “no” to repealing the Online Safety Act even though over 377,000 people signed a petition against it. This happened after the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology gave their answer on July 28, 2025. The government has “no plans to repeal” this law that started working on July 25.
What Makes This Law So Different?
The Online Safety Act is not just another boring government rule. It completely changes how British people use the internet. Think of it like this: imagine if you had to show your ID every time you wanted to enter certain stores. That’s what happens now when you try to visit adult websites.
Key Changes That Affect Everyone:
- Real ID Checks: No more simple “Are you 18?” buttons. Now you need to prove your age with real documents
- Face Scanning: Some sites use facial recognition to guess your age
- Credit Card Verification: Banks might need to confirm you’re an adult
- Mobile Provider Checks: Your phone company could verify your age
The Government’s Defense
Officials say they’re trying to balance two important things. They want to protect users from harmful content while letting safe services work normally. The government stressed that the law focuses on “proportionate approach” – meaning bigger risks get more attention.
Ofcom, the company watching over this law, promised to be “sensible” with small businesses. They created special help programs and workshops for smaller companies to understand the new rules.
The government worries most about really dangerous content. They point to forums that encourage suicide or self-harm as examples of what they’re trying to stop.
Why People Are So Upset
British citizens didn’t sit quietly when these rules started. Something amazing happened that shows how much people dislike this law. VPN companies – services that hide where you’re browsing from – saw their sign-ups explode.
The VPN Rush:
- ProtonVPN: Over 1,400% increase in UK sign-ups within hours
- NordVPN: 1,000% jump in new users
- Google Searches: VPN searches up 300% over the weekend
This surge was so big that VPN apps took over the top spots in UK app stores. People desperately wanted ways around the new age verification rules.
Real-Life Problems Are Already Showing Up
The law created unexpected headaches that nobody planned for. Adult users in the UK suddenly couldn’t view certain content on X (formerly Twitter) even though they were over 18. Some platforms decided it was easier to block UK users completely rather than deal with the complicated rules.
Different Platforms, Different Solutions:
- Some use apps like Yoti for identity checks
- Others banned certain content that affects adults too
- Many just blocked UK users entirely
Europe is also testing an age verification app that uses Google’s technology. This leaves people who use custom phone software unable to access certain content.
The Privacy Concern That Worries Everyone
Here’s what makes people really nervous: these new rules require sharing very personal information just to browse the internet. You might need to:
- Upload photos of your passport or driver’s license
- Let websites scan your face
- Connect your bank account for verification
- Share household utility bills
Privacy advocates see this as government overreach. They worry about what happens to all this personal data and who might access it later.
What Happens Next?
With over 377,000 signatures, this petition crossed the important 100,000 mark that forces Parliament to consider a debate. However, the government’s strong response suggests they won’t change their minds easily.
The Two Sides Are Stuck:
- Citizens want: More privacy and less government control over internet access
- Government wants: Better protection for children from harmful online content
Officials continue working with Ofcom on what they call “proportionate” enforcement. But proportionate means different things to different people.
This fight shows a deeper question about modern life: How much should governments control what we see online? The UK government believes protecting children justifies these new rules. Many citizens think the cure is worse than the disease.
The sustained surge in VPN usage proves that British people are willing to work around these rules. Unlike temporary spikes seen in other countries, UK VPN interest has stayed high.
Looking Forward
The petition forces Parliament to respond, but changing actual government policy is much harder than getting signatures. The government’s firm stance suggests the Online Safety Act will stay in place regardless of public opinion.
For now, British internet users face a choice: accept the new verification requirements or find technical ways around them. The massive VPN adoption shows which option many people are choosing.
The law represents a fundamental shift in how the UK approaches internet freedom versus child protection. While officials frame this as necessary safety measures, the public response suggests many Brits see it as unwanted government intrusion into their digital lives.
This battle between privacy and protection is far from over. The numbers speak clearly: 377,000 signatures against the law and a 1,400% spike in VPN usage show that British citizens are not happy with their government’s new internet rules.