In the event you have been to ask somebody why they assume that VPN use has elevated within the UK, they’d most likely inform you that it’s as a consequence of the On-line Security Act. This transformation in regulation requires web customers to confirm their age by importing their ID earlier than they will entry grownup content material, which, after all, many individuals are uncomfortable with. Nonetheless, the reality is that curiosity in VPNs began to develop some time earlier than that.
Lots of people did get a VPN to keep away from these restrictions, however impartial analysis by Cybernews has established that the expansion in UK VPN use has been regular for the final 5 years, with a 24.08% enhance seen in 2024 alone. The nation is at present ranked eighth within the worldwide VPN adoption rankings, based mostly on Google Play and Apple App Retailer downloads. Within the first half of 2025, the UK clocked 10.7 million VPN app downloads, though the info would not make it clear whether or not persons are utilizing one of the best VPNs or random free choices.
For the reason that research was based totally on cellular downloads, there are two issues to contemplate. Firstly, there are lots of people who use VPNs on different gadgets, so this is not a complete have a look at the UK’s VPN business. Secondly, loads of the dodgy free VPNs that I like to warn you about are included in that information, and since they’re wolves in VPN clothes, fairly than real VPNs, the numbers actually solely mirror those that are taken with utilizing a VPN, fairly than those that are utilizing legit ones.
Over the previous few months, we have seen how these “free” VPNs have been secretly capturing searching information, or hiding malware, and our recommendation is all the time the identical: keep away from free VPNs and use a high quality VPN from a trusted supplier like NordVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, or ExpressVPN as a substitute.
Cybernews has decided that the general enhance in VPN adoption worldwide has been rising since 2021, with areas with “state-level web restrictions” displaying overwhelming VPN use. Whereas the UK has a 21% common adoption price over the previous 5 years, the United Arab Emirates has an unimaginable 65.78% common price, topping the desk. In fact, this additionally coincides with the COVID pandemic and folks working from dwelling extra, which can be an element.
In the event you need assistance deciding on a VPN, you may wish to know that our most well-liked VPN companion is NordVPN, and we’d suggest you test their service first. It is a speedy and dependable service that works arduous to guard buyer information.
