VPNs, or virtual private networks, are a hot topic at the moment, with searches for the cybersecurity tools surging by an astonishing 1400 per cent in the UK on July 25, 2025, according to Proton VPN.
The reason behind the spike? That’s when the Online Safety Act came into play, which allows Ofcom (the country's official communications regulator) to enforce extra safety checks on users, in particular, mandatory age checks on anyone looking for adult content. The process involves uploading government-issued ID, such as passports and driving licences, uploading biometric data or financial information to prove your age and access content.
Naturally, this has led to concerns about handing over sensitive personal data to certain websites, some of which may be quite far down on the scrupulous scale. The new rules aren’t just restricted to adult content sites; dating apps, social media platforms, gaming sites and even forums like Reddit are included too.
The Act aims to transform the UK's digital landscape and make the country “the safest place in the world to be online.” The primary aim is to protect children from searching for and looking at harmful content - a worry that’s heightened for parents right now with the summer holidays in full flow.
While it is an aim everyone can get behind, it does leave adult users, especially the child-free ones, blinking in the new digital dawn, feeling vulnerable. This could explain why searches for VPNs have shot through the virtual roof.
To learn more about the services, what they do and how to install one, The Standard spoke to cybersecurity expert Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN.
What is a VPN?
“VPN stands for virtual private network, and it provides the ability to establish a secure network connection even when you’re using unsafe public Wi-Fi. A VPN will encrypt your online traffic and keep your virtual location hidden.”
Why should you consider getting a VPN?
“Primarily to protect their privacy and security online, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often vulnerable to hackers and other malicious actors.
A VPN encrypts the data you send and receive, creating a secure tunnel that shields your information from being intercepted by cybercriminals, internet service providers, or anyone else on the same network, such as in cafes or airports.
This encryption makes it much harder for third parties to spy on your online activities or steal sensitive information, like passwords and credit card details.
Additionally, a VPN masks your real IP address, adding a layer of anonymity that helps reduce tracking and profiling by websites, advertisers, or network administrators.
Using a VPN also helps bypass internet censorship and can prevent internet throttling imposed by ISPs [internet service providers], ensuring a more open and faster browsing experience.
Overall, a VPN enhances your online safety by securing your connection, especially on unsecured networks, protecting your digital identity, and providing more control over your internet freedom and privacy.”
Which VPN is the most trusted?
“The most trusted VPNs are those that provide strong encryption standards, such as AES 256-bit encryption, to ensure data security, combined with a strict no-logs policy that guarantees the provider does not store user activity data.
Additional security measures such as malware protection, kill switches, and leak protection are important, as is compatibility across various devices and ease of use on different platforms.
Based on expert reviews and extensive testing in 2025, NordVPN is consistently regarded as the most trusted VPN service due to its robust security features, independently audited no-logs policy, extensive server network, and reliable performance.
Other highly trustworthy VPNs include those offering high privacy standards and strong security practices as well.”
Are VPNs easy to set up? What are the steps?
“VPNs are generally easy to set up, especially when using popular commercial VPN providers that offer dedicated apps designed for simplicity and quick installation.
The most straightforward method is to choose a reputable VPN service, sign up for an account, then download and install the provider’s app on your device, whether it's a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
After logging in with your credentials, you typically just need to select a server or rely on the app’s automatic recommendation, and connect with one click or tap.
This process encrypts your internet traffic and routes it securely through the VPN server, usually within a few minutes, making it suitable even for beginners.”
If you’re looking for a hardworking and trustworthy VPN to enhance your online security, we’ve rounded up the best players below.
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NordVPN
New customer bonus: Right now, new UK signups will get up to 72 per cent off the service plus a gift card to spend at Amazon
Regularly named the best VPN for online security, NordVPN is probably the best-known option out there. The company offers three packages on a rolling monthly, one-year or two-year basis.
Get it if all you're after is something to keep you safe when you're gaming, streaming, shopping and browsing on public Wi-Fi networks, offering a quick and easy line of defence that won't cost the earth.
While the basic package costs just £2.69pm, the Plus package (£3.49pm) offers anti-malware and browsing protection alongside a secure VPN. You'll also get an ad and tracker blocker and a password manager, with a scanner to alert you to breaches. The Plus subscription comes with a £20 Amazon gift card, rising to a £50 one if you opt for the Ultimate package at £5.39pm.
Buy now £2.69, NordVPN
Surfshark VPN
New customer bonus: No, but there is a 30-day refund policy if you find it isn't quite right for you.
Imagine going online and viewing content without a thousand pop-ups invading your screen. This is the digital utopia promised by Surfshark, whose VPN keeps your precious data away from prying eyes. The company uses a network of RAM-only super fast servers spread across 100 countries to help create that secure encryption tunnel and keep you safe on the web. The VPN can be used across multiple devices and includes features like no-logs, malware protection, a kill switch and a double VPN alongside the tracker and ad blocker.
Plan wise, there are three to choose from, with the Starter at just £1.49pm, One costing £1.89pm and One+ at £2.99pm with rising levels of protection the higher up you go.
One customer said that they "love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices", while another said "We’re huge fans of the brand and this VPN has literally changed our lives!"
Buy now £1.49, Surfshark VPN
Proton VPN
New customer bonus: None, but there is a free option available
Offering a free VPN for UK users, Proton VPN provides ad-free and logless security with no data or bandwidth limits, and with end-to-end encryption as standard. The company uses high-speed 10Gbps servers to get its users online without lags or slow connections. It means you can shop online anywhere and browse freely without worrying about who might be trying to muscle in and steal your personal information.
The Swiss-based company doesn't save your connection logs, meaning your browsing history remains private and cannot be sold or given to a third party. How does it do all this, and still remain free? The company says "it is financed thanks to the support of our paid users".
While the basic subscription, Proton Free, is, well, free, it only allows you to secure a single device at a medium speed. Shell out for VPN Plus at £3.59pm, and you can protect 10 devices at once on the highest VPN speed it offers, with advert, tracker and malware blockers thrown in alongside priority support and live chat with customer service. Meanwhile, Unlimited offers access to the full suite of Proton products and costs £6.59pm.
Customer reviews are glowing, with one stating: “Fast connections all over the world. Set up and use is very easy. By far the best VPN out there and worth the subscription!”
Buy now £3.59, Proton VPN
ExpressVPN
New customer bonus: Claim four months free when signing up for the two-year subscription
Designed for VPN newbies, ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly interface, clear advice, and performance trusted by millions of users worldwide.
The company has servers dotted around the globe, with 105 countries accommodating its global fleet. It boasts fast speeds across platforms, from iOS and Android phones to Windows and Apple Mac computers and routers too. You can connect up to eight devices with ExpressVPN, which should be enough for a two- or three-person household.
There are one-month, one-year and two-year plans, of which the two-year is discounted, costing customers the least at £4.03pm, which works out to around 14p a day. You'll also get a free eSIM to use on your next trip away with 5GB of data.
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee to offer peace of mind.
Buy now £4.03, ExpressVPN
Private Internet Access
New customer bonus: None
Offering no-fuss security, Private Internet Access does exactly what it says on the tin. The company urges users to "take back control" of their online freedom, connecting subscribers to servers situated around the planet and boasting lightning-fast speeds that are ideal if you're a serial streamer or share files.
If offers all the usual defences, including ad and malware blocking and encryption settings that you can customise if you wish, plus round-the-clock live support, so if you run into trouble, help is always at hand. PIA also prides itself on offering 100 per cent open-source VPN apps with source codes that are publicly available, boosting its transparency.
As with its peers, the longer you sign up for, the cheaper things get. The one-month plan costs £9.99pm, but sign up for a year, and the monthly cost drops to £2.71. If you're happy to commit to three years of its service though, you can enjoy online security, antivirus features and a dedicated IP for as little as £1.67pm across unlimited devices.
All plans are covered by PIA's 30-day money-back guarantee. Trustpilot says of PIA: "Customers appreciate the high-quality service provided, highlighting its reliability and effectiveness. People also find the user experience to be excellent, with many praising the ease of use and smooth performance of the application on PC."
Buy now £1.67, Private Internet Access
