- Missouri ‘VPN’ Search Soars as Age Verification Law Takes Effect
- On November 30, age checks became mandatory to access adult content
- All websites containing 33% “material harmful to minors” must comply
Today, November 30, is the first day that all Internet users in Missouri must prove they are at least 18 years old to access adult-only content online, and many citizens have begun looking for ways to protect their personal data.
Google searches for the terms ‘VPN’ and ‘Free VPN’ have skyrocketed in the Ozark State since Missouri’s age verification law went into effect, according to Google Trends data.
Search volume for the term ‘VPN’ has doubled since Saturday (November 29), with a further increase seen today.
This trend follows similar spikes in VPN usage recorded elsewhere in the US and abroad, when other states implemented some form of mandatory age verification.
As Missourians fight to protect the privacy of their most sensitive information, incidents of phishing and online fraud are likely to increase across the state. Mandatory age checks can push many to opt for dangerous free VPN solutions, which far outperform the best, safe and reliable free VPNs found in the app stores.
There are even some recently released VPN solutions popping up that speak directly to those looking for a VPN in Missouri.
In the run-up to Sunday, a quick search for “Missouri VPN” turned up many names our team of expert VPN reviewers and lab testers had never heard of in the early results.
If you are looking for a reliable solution, there are good free VPNs to help you. However, it’s also a perfect time to try a paid product, as many of the best VPNs on the market are now offering Black Friday VPN deals for a limited time.
This includes TechRadar’s top-rated service, NordVPN, which is still at its 2025 lowest price for at least a few days.
Age Verification and Privacy in Missouri: Everything You Need to Know
Missouri’s age verification rules are quite similar to those enacted in other regions of the US. Therefore, the same set of issues regarding user privacy and security remain.
Under the new rules, all websites or apps that contain more than a third of “material harmful to minors” must verify that their users are adults before granting them access. It’s a provision that experts who spoke to TechRadar have criticized for its “vague” terms.
There are a few age verification methods that users and providers can opt for. These include the use of digital identification, scanning of government-issued identification documents or other transactional data.
The law requires website and application providers to use all reasonable methods to protect user data. Providers are also prohibited from retaining any identifying information unless otherwise required by law enforcement authorities.
However, these are assurances that have so far failed to convince experts that data abuse and leaks will remain at bay.
“By forcing everyone to hand over their most valuable and sensitive identity data, the law is building a dangerous new surveillance infrastructure instead of keeping young people safe,” Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) activist Molly Buckley told TechRadar.
Clearly, the people of Missouri share the same concerns and are not willing to reveal their most sensitive details so easily. Virtual private network (VPN) tools seem to be the best opportunity you have now to maintain control over your data.
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 when you are abroad. We do not support or condone using a VPN service to break the law or conduct illegal activities. Future Publishing does not endorse or approve the consumption of paid pirated content.
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