VPN use rises as Australians respond to online age-verification rules

Australia is seeing a rise in the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), as users look to protect their privacy or bypass new online age-verification requirements. An RMIT expert explains.

Professor Michael Cowling, School of Computing Technologies

"Evidence from other countries suggests that introducing age-gating inevitably drives adoption of VPNs. Whether this is a privacy protection measure or a way to circumvent societal rules is hard to determine; it's likely a combination of both.

"Whilst some might think that it's under 18's using these services, it's also likely individuals that value their privacy and don't want to share their identification details with adult-oriented websites.

"Using a free VPN runs the risk that in trying to protect your privacy, you're sharing your data with an organisation, the VPN company, that will sell it on to unknown parties to make its money.

"Whilst a VPN provides a higher barrier for entry and could stop casual users, the real way to curtail underage usage of these services is to provide better digital literacy and content training."

Hear more from Professor Michael Cowling on ABC Radio National's Download this Show with Rae Johnston.

Professor Michael Cowling has been a leader in educational technology and computer science education for over 20 years. He is currently a Professor of Educational Technology and the Director, Hub for Apple Platform Innovation (HAPI) at RMIT where he innovates with Apple technology in teaching and research and conducts engagement and outreach activities.

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