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Saucy scrollers could be getting themselves in some hot water, with millions of iPhone and Android users being reminded to stick to the new age verification laws when accessing X-rated materials online.
2025 has seen various governments come down hard on pornographic materials, with new regulations being slapped on 17 US states, a brief ban in France, and a massive uproar based on the United Kingdom's own rules.
Italy is the latest country to restrict adult materials, meaning its 59 million citizens will now be required to hand over personal details before getting their rocks off.
Although we're told these third-party sites use a 'double anonymity' process that allows them to see only who you are, not what you've accessed, many have serious privacy concerns.
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More than this, there are fears about how we could potentially be exploited by our porn habits being used against us.
A massive spike in VPN use shows how users are trying their best to circumvent the latest restrictions, although sites like Pornhub and OnlyFans have their hands tied. Failure to comply can lead to fines in the hundreds of thousands.
The BBC has reported that VPN use peaked at 1.5 million daily users in the United Kingdom in July 2025, with it now slipping to around one million. Forbes says that iPhone and Android users tend to keep away from VPNs unless they are in 'dark' locations like Russia and Iran, where online activity is especially restricted. Alongside the USA's age verification, the short-lived TikTok ban also pushed smartphone owners to VPNs.
The site reminds us that VPNs are dangerous, requiring you to put your trust into a third-party provider that has full access to where you are and what you're looking at. Unlike promises that porn sites are using verified services with double anonymity, VPN providers have no obligation to do the same.
Pornhub blocked access to its website after a new Texas law requiring an age-verification for the platform.
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) March 15, 2024
In semi-related news: here is the Google search trend for “VPN” in Texas. pic.twitter.com/0DjdYkTeDh
In particular, we're told to be wary of free VPNs and Chinese VPNs, suggesting that if you're determined to use this kind of software, you should stick to bluechip versions.
While Pornhub has been open about its traffic being down by a whopping 77%, Forbes suggests that you're actually reading that VPN usage is going through the roof. As Italy's rules come into play on November 12, the outlet outlines some helpful advice for those tempted to try and bend the rules.
For those who are still looking to make the most of VPNs, you're warned to only install apps from the Play or App Store. You're reminded to only use paid VPNs or those that have a reasonable subscription cost. Definitely don't opt for one with suspicious in-app purchases.
Finally, we should look for VPNs from well-known developers or ones you can easily research online. Android users, especially, are told to ensure Play Protect is enabled and never disable or pause it.
Chances are, if a VPN sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
