As the new laws come into effect in the UK, many are wondering what the ripple effect will be across the globe. One such law is the UK’s Online Safety Act. It became ratified into law on October 26, 2023, but certain aspects of the law have been introduced in stages, as overseen by UK regulator Ofcom.

A law requiring UK internet users to verify their age to access adult content has led to a huge surge in VPN downloads—and has experts worried about the future of free expression online.

Virtual private network (VPN) apps have become the most downloaded on Apple's App Store in the UK after sites such as PornHub, Reddit and X began requiring age verification of users on Friday. VPNs can disguise your location online - allowing you to use the internet as though you are in another country.