Mozilla opposes UK proposal to age-gate VPNs for youth protection
Original: Mozilla to UK regulators: VPNs are essential privacy and security tools
Why This Matters
Major browser maker challenges regulatory approach to youth online safety
Mozilla submitted formal opposition to UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's consultation on age-gating VPNs. The proposal aims to prevent young users from circumventing age verification systems under the Online Safety Act.
Mozilla argued that VPNs are essential privacy and security tools that protect users of all ages by hiding IP addresses, reducing tracking, and avoiding profiling. The company stated that young people are particularly vulnerable to online tracking and targeted advertising, making privacy tools more important, not less. Mozilla believes age-gating VPNs contradicts the goal of teaching young people digital safety skills. Instead, the organization recommends addressing root causes of online harm by holding platforms accountable, encouraging responsible parental controls, and investing in digital literacy education.