Australia has officially moved into the next phase of its mandatory age verification rollout. Following the implementation of a world-first social media ban for under-16s last December, internet users must now provide proof of age to access adult-only content and material deemed unsuitable for minors.As seen in other regions with similar laws, VPNs have rapidly climbed the Australian app store charts as residents seek ways to protect their digital footprint. While it's difficult to determine if these new users are minors attempting to bypass restrictions or adults concerned about the privacy risks of sharing sensitive ID data, the trend is undeniable.This shift is refueling a global debate over whether VPNs render age-gating ineffective. With the UK government recently launching a consultation on potential restrictions, Australian lawmakers may soon have VPN users in their sights.
