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.

Sites that require age verification may be more susceptible to malware, ads, and trackers. NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro feature can help protect your device from threats. Its a certified anti-phishing tool and was rated as the best VPN malware protection.

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.