- Italy implemented age verification for online adult content
- This sparked a surge in online searches for VPNs
- The risk is that users fall into the trap of free or dubious VPNs
Demand for VPNs has risen sharply in Italy following the implementation of mandatory age verification in the country.
Google Trends data shows that searches related to VPNs doubled after Italy introduced mandatory age checks.
As of November 12, 2025, websites and video sharing platforms hosting adult content are legally required to verify that a user is 18 years or older.
By implementing an age verification system like this, Italy joins the United Kingdom, France, and many US states, all of which have taken steps to restrict access to adult content.
A virtual private network (VPN) is a popular tool that can be used to hide a user’s online location as well as their Internet traffic, with the best VPN services allowing them to privately bypass Internet censorship and other online restrictions.
Why Age Verification in Italy is Driving Citizens to Turn to VPNs
Italy’s communications regulator, AGCOM, was quick to assure citizens that the country’s age verification system will be both secure and private.
The new system requires users to verify their age through a certified third party, who verifies that they are over 18 and then issues an anonymous digital token confirming this. The token is then sent to the adult website in question, which should never see the visitor’s personal data, while the verifier does not know which site is being visited, thus providing “double anonymity”.
Despite potential safeguards, concerns remain that even if the token system hides a user’s identity and only confirms that they are over 18, other technical traces of activity could theoretically help link website visits to a particular user.
Likewise, there are concerns that the system could end up creating a centralized database of sensitive age-related verification events, which could attract both hackers and spies.
The growing interest in VPNs following age verification in Italy is no surprise. Even though the Italian system uses anonymous tokens, it is clear that many people still feel uncomfortable with showing proof of age to access adult content. There may also be concerns that the activity may be tracked or recorded in some way.
The importance of choosing a reputable VPN service
One of the biggest unintended risks of rolling out age verification in Italy is that while many people turn to VPNs to avoid age checks, some may unwittingly choose free or shady VPN services. Ironically, this would expose them to more security and privacy risks than the very system they are trying to avoid.
Besides the best free VPNs, most free services make money by recording users’ credentials – including their browsing data – and then selling that information to third parties. Additionally, some VPNs with poor reputations include embedded trackers or even malware in their apps, putting users at risk of logging or even credential theft.
Even VPNs that don’t knowingly endanger privacy may simply lack the security required to protect data. Weak encryption and outdated VPN protocols, or lack of a kill switch or DNS leak protection, can all put users at risk.
When evaluating VPN services, it is essential to look for one that uses strong encryption and modern VPN protocols. A true no-logging policy is also important, preferably one that has been independently audited.
If you’re looking for a new service, it’s worth keeping in mind that some reliable premium services have already dropped their prices with an early Black Friday VPN deal, including TechRadar’s top VPN pick, NordVPN…
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or approve the use of a VPN service to break the law or conduct illegal activities. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
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