Weekend's Top 3 VPNs for Securing Your Data, as Recommended by Cybersecurity Experts, with an Extra Bonus Free Choice Included
The recent implementation of the UK's Online Safety Act, which includes age verification measures, has sparked a significant increase in the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) among UK internet users. The surge in VPN sign-ups reflects a growing concern for online privacy and a desire to bypass age restrictions on content.
According to reports, VPN sign-ups in the UK have increased by over 1,400% since the Act's introduction on July 25, 2025. People are using these services not just to bypass age-gates but also to protect their personal data and browsing activity.
The Online Safety Act aims to protect minors from harmful content like adult material and sites related to self-harm or suicide. However, many see the measures as intrusive, fueling interest in VPNs to preserve online anonymity.
VPN services have become more popular, topping app store charts in the UK. Among these, NordVPN, PrivadoVPN Free, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are some of the most popular choices.
NordVPN, currently ranked as the best VPN for most people, offers world-class security, speed, and versatility, with extra features. It boasts an audited no-logs policy, ensuring no browsing data is logged by its servers.
ExpressVPN, a great option for beginners, scores highly on privacy and security. Its apps are simple, intuitive, and consistent across devices, making it easy for beginners to use. ExpressVPN's commitment to privacy is reinforced by multiple third-party audits, and it offers a proven no-logs policy.
ExpressVPN plans start at around $4 per month on a two-year plan, but it is not the cheapest. Surfshark, on the other hand, is the cheapest VPN in the top three, at $1.99/£1.89 per month on a two-year plan. Surfshark offers an unusual feature - unlimited simultaneous connections, a feature not offered by NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
PrivadoVPN Free offers AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and industry-standard protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. However, it delivers surprisingly fast speeds during the full-speed window, but traffic is throttled after 10 GB of data is used.
NordVPN's Threat Protection feature blocks malware, ads, and trackers, while ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol optimizes speed and reliability.
While the government aims to protect minors, there are concerns about increased tracking, potential data breaches, and loss of online privacy. There is debate about whether the government might attempt to ban or restrict VPNs to enforce these rules more strictly. Experts and commentators argue such a ban would be impractical and could harm legitimate privacy and security uses.
In conclusion, the Online Safety Act has amplified privacy concerns and driven UK users toward increased VPN adoption as a way to bypass new age-verification filters and protect personal privacy online. Any moves to restrict VPN use face strong technical and societal pushback due to their legitimate security functions. Every ExpressVPN subscription includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free.
Gaming and entertainment experiences have become more secure as people turn to VPNs to protect their online activities, ensuring a smooth and private experience while accessing age-restricted content. The surge in VPN sign-ups in the UK demonstrates a fusion of lifestyle choices, with a growing interest in technology solutions that prioritize cybersecurity and user privacy.
