By Kit Knightly (Off-Guardian)  Feb 16, 2026

In a statement yesterday, the office of the British Prime Minister announced plans to broaden the scope of the “social media ban” for minors that would see virtual private networks (VPNs) included in the future.

Speaking to “parents and carers” today, Sir Keir Starmer is expected to “make clear this government will act at pace to keep kids safe online as they navigate a digital world that did not exist a generation ago, and one that is shaped by powerful platforms, addictive design and fast-moving technologies.”

He will also be announcing potential “new powers” which will come into force after a “consultation” this summer.

The reference to VPNs is a single line in a long statement:

…as well as options to age restrict or limit children’s VPN use where it undermines safety protections…

…but it should be the most concerning to anyone who has been paying attention.

It has been said a thousand times, but always bears repeating, the “social media ban” deployed in the UK (and Australia, and Spain and…wherever) has nothing to do with protecting children, and everything to do with the state’s war on privacy.

Banning children from social media effectively means everyone who isn’t a child has to prove their age, which means verifying with ID or biometrics.

It’s a dagger to the heart of online privacy and anonymity, and that very much is the point.

Continues at URL below:

https://off-guardian.org/2026/02/16/starmer-to-add-vpns-to-uks-social-media-ban/

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