Redazione RHC : 11 November 2025 14:46
Hundreds of millions of smartphone users have faced blocking of pornographic websites and mandatory age verification. The UK has introduced mandatory identity verification on adult websites , and similar laws are being introduced in some US states and Italy .
In response to all of this, VPNs, services that allow users to hide their real location and bypass restrictions, have seen exponential growth.
As the BBC points out, since the Online Safety Act came into force in the UK, Proton VPN registrations have increased by over 1,400%, while NordVPN has seen a 1,000% increase in subscriptions. According to TechRadar, 10.7 million VPN apps were downloaded in the UK in the first half of 2025.
Now, British authorities are discussing the possibility of banning VPNs entirely. Similar initiatives have emerged in the United States: in particular, a bill has been proposed in Wisconsin that would make it illegal to access “adult content” via VPN.
Similar projects are also under consideration in Michigan , where Proton representatives have spoken out against such measures.
Experts believe these restrictions threaten internet freedom. VPNs remain an essential tool in censored countries, allowing people to read the news, use social media, and use messaging apps.
Meanwhile, Google has issued a new warning , highlighting that scammers are disguising malicious apps as legitimate VPNs . The company recommends downloading such services only from official sources and paying attention to permissions: a VPN should not request access to personal contacts or messages.
According to Google, malicious apps can distribute spyware and steal passwords, banking details, and cryptocurrency wallets. The company also noted that downloading free or questionable VPNs increases the risk of device infection and data loss.
Red Hot Cyber recommends never downloading VPN apps from unofficial sites or random links found online , as many of these packages can contain malicious code (such as infostealers, RATs, spamware, and malware in general). Before installing an app, it’s good practice to verify the developer , read genuine reviews , and check that the permissions requested are consistent with the VPN’s functions. An app that requests access to your camera, microphone, or contacts is a clear sign of danger.
Experts also warn that if governments were to ban the use of VPNs, many users would end up turning to illegal or modified versions, creating a veritable “hacker’s paradise” and making it virtually impossible to maintain good online security standards.
Redazione
