Online age checks came first — a VPN crackdown could be next

This article discusses the history and evolution of virtual private networks (VPNs), and how they are now being used for purposes beyond their original intent, such as accessing region-locked content and bypassing censorship. It suggests that as online age verification becomes more common, a crackdown on VPN usage could be the next step.

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Virtual private networks (VPNs) have evolved significantly over the years, from their initial use as a tool for secure remote access to their current widespread adoption for bypassing content restrictions and protecting user privacy. The article traces the history of VPNs, highlighting how they were not always used for accessing region-locked content or circumventing censorship. Instead, VPNs were originally designed to provide an encrypted connection between a device and a private server, allowing users to protect their browsing history and online activities from their internet service provider (ISP) and other third parties. However, as online age verification becomes more common, the article suggests that a crackdown on VPN usage could be the next step, as governments and companies seek to enforce age-based restrictions on digital content and services.