- Italy has implemented age verification for online adult content
- This has led to an increase in online searches for VPNs.
- The risk is that users could fall into the trap of free or shady VPNs
Demand for VPNs has increased significantly in Italy following the implementation of mandatory age verification in the country.
Google Trends data shows that VPN-related searches have doubled after Italy introduced mandatory age controls.
As of November 12, 2025, websites and video-sharing platforms that host adult content are legally required to verify that a user is 18 years of age or older.
By implementing an age verification system like this, Italy joins countries such as the UK, France and numerous 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, and the best VPN services allow users to privately bypass Internet censorship and other online restrictions.
Why age verification in Italy makes citizens turn to VPNs
Italy’s communications regulator, AGCOM, has been quick to assure citizens that the country’s age verification system will be secure and private.
The new system requires users to verify their age through a certified third party, which verifies that they are over 18 years old 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, providing “double anonymity.”
Despite potential safeguards, concerns still arise 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 make it possible to link website visits to a particular user.
Similarly, there are fears that the system could end up creating a centralized database of sensitive age-related verification events, which could be attractive to hackers and snoops alike.
The growing interest in VPNs in the wake of age verification in Italy is not a surprise. Although the Italian system uses anonymous tokens, it is clear that many people still feel uncomfortable showing any proof of age to access adult content. There may also be concern regarding the possibility that the activity could somehow be tracked or recorded.
The importance of choosing a reputable VPN service
One of the biggest unintended risks of rolling out age verification in Italy is that if many people turn to VPNs to avoid age checks, some may unknowingly 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.
In addition to the best free VPNs, most freebies make money by recording users’ identifying information (including their browsing data) and then selling that information to third parties. Additionally, some low-reputation VPNs include built-in trackers or even malware in their apps, putting users at risk of login or even credential theft.
Even those VPNs that don’t knowingly compromise privacy may simply lack the security needed to keep data safe. Weak encryption and outdated VPN protocols, or the absence of a kill switch or DNS leak protection can put users at risk.
When evaluating VPN services, it is essential to look for one that uses strong encryption and modern VPN protocols. A genuine no-logs 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 trusted 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 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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