UK locked into third-party age checks as MPs claim VPNs on expenses

11 August 2025

Paul Francis

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The UK’s new Online Safety Act has introduced sweeping age verification rules for a wide range of digital services. From social media platforms to music streaming apps, users now face requests to prove their age through ID uploads, facial scans or other forms of verification.

The majority of these checks are being handled by specialist third-party companies, often based overseas. They act as intermediaries, confirming whether a user is old enough to access certain content. In many cases, they do not share the full ID with the platform, instead sending back a simple “pass” or “fail”.

How the system works

Under the new law, platforms must ensure that children cannot access content deemed harmful. That includes explicit music lyrics, violent games, pornography, gambling, and online discussions of subjects such as eating disorders or suicide.

To meet this “highly effective” requirement, most companies have opted not to build their own systems. Instead they have signed contracts with external providers such as Yoti, Persona and Kids Web Services. These services use techniques like:

Scanning an official document such as a passport or driving licence.
Estimating a user’s age through a selfie analysed by AI.
Linking to government databases or credit card checks.

Some verification companies promise to delete personal data within days. Others may retain information for months or years, raising concerns among privacy advocates. Critics point out that once this infrastructure is in place, it could, in theory, be used for purposes beyond child safety.

MPs’ VPN expenses draw attention

While the public adjusts to this new reality, attention has turned to how some politicians manage their own online access.

A POLITICO review of parliamentary expenses found that several MPs, including Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, claimed subscriptions for virtual private networks (VPNs). Reynolds expensed a two-year NordVPN subscription in April 2024. Other MPs, such as Labour’s Sarah Champion and Alex Sobel, and Conservative MPs Gareth Davies and Chris Heaton-Harris, have also claimed for VPN services.

VPNs encrypt internet traffic and can hide a user’s location, making them harder to track. They are often used by businesses and journalists to protect sensitive information. However, they can also bypass regional restrictions, including those imposed by age-verification systems.

The revelation has sparked criticism online, with some pointing out the apparent contradiction between MPs approving legislation that pushes the public into using third-party age checks while themselves claiming tools that can avoid such checks.

What it means for ordinary users

For people who rarely think about online privacy, the combination of mandatory age verification and rising VPN usage can seem confusing. In practical terms, the new rules could mean:

You may need to upload official documents or scan your face to access websites you have used freely for years.
Your personal data may be handled by a company you have never heard of and which may be outside the UK.
Content you regard as harmless could still be blocked unless you verify your age.
Some smaller websites may block UK visitors altogether rather than invest in compliance systems.

Meanwhile, VPNs remain legal in the UK, but their usage is being monitored more closely. Providers have reported sharp rises in new subscriptions since the age verification rules came into effect. Privacy campaigners warn that this creates a two-tier internet where tech-savvy or wealthier users can pay for workarounds while others cannot.

The bigger picture

Supporters of the law, including many parents’ groups, argue that the measures are long overdue to protect children in an increasingly digital world. The government insists that the age checks are proportionate and that privacy is being respected.

Opponents counter that the approach is heavy-handed, ineffective against determined users, and potentially damaging to free expression. They also highlight that the involvement of overseas verification companies gives the UK little control over how data is stored or processed.

As the Online Safety Act’s child safety duties become fully enforceable, the divide between public compliance and private circumvention may continue to grow. The irony that some MPs are expensing VPNs while the public is told to trust age-checking systems has not been lost on critics.

For the average person, the choice is stark. Accept a new layer of ID checks to keep using familiar online services, or follow the lead of some elected representatives and invest in a VPN — with all the technical know-how and potential legal scrutiny that entails.

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London for Young Professionals: Opportunity or Overrated?

Toby Patrick
Jul 17
3 min read

London is one of the world’s most popular cities, so it’s no surprise that it draws young professionals in droves. With a wealth of opportunities, both in and out of the workplace, it’s easy to see why young people are drawn to the UK’s capital. But now the work-from-home era is in full swing, many are asking if relocating to London is still worth it for young professionals. In this article, we will evaluate whether London still offers vast opportunities for young workers or if the city has become overrated.

Crowd at Waterloo Underground Station, walking towards train. Signs for Way Out and train lines visible. Dimly lit, busy mood.

Pros Of London For Young Professionals

Prosperous Job Market

We can argue about whether or not London still offers the same opportunities as 10 years ago, but there’s no denying that London still attracts the world’s biggest companies and the most innovative startups. As a result, the city still possesses a prosperous job market.

While you’ll find opportunities in any industry, London is perfect for those seeking careers in finance, property and creative industries. It’s also great for those looking to forge out a career as an entrepreneur due to the abundance of networking opportunities and access to capital.

Attractions

One of the best things about London is that you’ll never be short of things to do. If you’re a young professional, you’ll probably be concerned with how you spend your time outside of work. If you are concerned with this, you’ll be glad to hear that London offers a vibrant nightlife, an excellent restaurant scene and some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions.

Tower Bridge in London against a cloudy sky. The bridge is open with a red bus visible. River Thames flows below in a serene setting.

Transport Links

While London is one of the world’s busiest cities, it is helped by a reliable transport system. This includes London’s bus network and tube system, which can be a great help if you face a long commute every day.

While traffic is one of the few drawbacks of London, drivers are helped by an array of city centre car parks, which can be useful if your place of work doesn’t have on-site parking.

Cons Of London For Young Professionals

High Cost Of Living

While London is one of the best cities in the world, it certainly isn’t one of the cheapest. Transport, gym memberships and eating out are all above average, and that’s not to mention the cost of London property.

Buying property is out of reach for many young professionals in London, which means the rental market is extremely competitive. As a result, you can expect to pay over the odds for rental properties. Last year, a 1-bedroom city centre apartment would cost approximately £2,180 a month in rent.

Busy

Many people dream of moving to lively cities where they’re surrounded by hustle and bustle. For others, this is their idea of hell. If your dream location is one that is tranquil and quiet, London probably isn’t for you. Like other major cities, London doesn’t really sleep, and you’ll find yourself constantly surrounded by packed streets and bustling crowds.

Weather

Finally, how could we not mention the infamous British weather? If you’re a young professional moving to London, you’ll need to be prepared for cold winters and constant rainfall. While this may not be an issue for everyone, those who move to London from more tropical climates may be in for a slight culture shock when they start their new life in London.

Final Thoughts

London remains a fantastic city for young professionals. But does the city still offer bang for buck when so many people are searching for remote jobs? Whether or not London is right for you depends on your career goals, your personality and your interests — it also depends on how much you’ll be earning, as London is one of the world’s most expensive cities. If you’re a young professional living in London, let us know your thoughts!