Online Safety Bill – Navigating it with a VPN

The Online Safety Bill is a proposed legislation in the UK that aims to protect users from harmful online content and behaviour. The bill would give the government and regulators more power to enforce rules on online platforms, such as social media, messaging apps, and search engines. The bill would also introduce new duties of care for online service providers, requiring them to take reasonable steps to prevent or remove illegal or harmful content from their platforms.

While the bill has some positive aspects, such as tackling online abuse, harassment, and extremism, it also raises some concerns about the potential impact on privacy, freedom of expression, and digital rights. Some critics argue that the bill could lead to censorship, surveillance, and overreach by the government.

For example, the bill could allow the government to block or restrict access to certain websites or services that are deemed harmful according to them, even if they are not illegal. The bill could also force online platforms to hand over user data or encryption keys to the authorities, compromising the security and anonymity of all users.

One way to protect your privacy and digital rights in the context of the Online Safety Bill is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN is a service that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a server in another location. By using a VPN, you can hide your IP address, location, and online activity from your internet service provider (ISP), online platforms, and third parties. You can also access geo-restricted or censored content by connecting to a server in a different country.

Click here to see the best VPNs of 2023.

Here are some benefits of using a VPN in the context of the Online Safety Bill:

You can avoid ISP tracking and throttling. Your ISP can monitor your online activity and collect data about your browsing history, downloads, and preferences. They can also slow down or limit your bandwidth based on your usage or the type of content you access. By using a VPN, you can prevent your ISP from seeing or interfering with your online activity.

By using a VPN you can bypass censorship and geo-blocking.The Online Safety Bill could allow the government to block or restrict access to certain websites or services that are deemed harmful, such as torrent sites, streaming platforms, or news outlets., you can connect to a server in another country and access any content you want, regardless of your location or local regulations.

The Online Safety Bill could force online platforms to hand over user data or encryption keys to the government, compromising the security and anonymity of users. By using a VPN, You can protect your identity and data you can encrypt your data and prevent anyone from accessing or intercepting it. You can also use a VPN to create an alias or use a different email address when signing up for online services.

However, a VPN is not a foolproof solution. There are some risks and limitations that you should be aware of before using a VPN in the context of the Online Safety Bill:

Using a VPN is not illegal in the UK, but it could violate the terms of service of some online platforms or services. For example, some streaming platforms prohibit the use of VPNs to access their content from other regions. If you are caught using a VPN to bypass their geo-restrictions, you could face account suspension or termination. Moreover, if you use a VPN to access illegal or harmful content, you may face prosecution under the law.

Not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPNs may have weak encryption, poor performance, or shady practices. For example, some VPNs may log your online activity, sell your data to third parties, or inject ads or malware into your device. Therefore, you should do your research and choose a reputable and trustworthy VPN provider that has a strict no-logs policy, strong encryption protocols, fast and reliable servers, and good customer support.

You could experience technical issues. Using a VPN may affect your internet speed, stability, and compatibility. For example, some VPNs may slow down your connection due to encryption overhead, server congestion, or distance. They may also cause connection drops or errors due to network interference, configuration issues, or software bugs. Furthermore, some VPNs may not work well with certain devices, apps, or websites due to compatibility problems.

To sum up, using a VPN is one way to navigate the Online Safety Bill with more privacy and freedom. However, using a VPN is not without risks and challenges. You should weigh the pros and cons of using a VPN before deciding whether it is suitable for your needs and preferences.

If you’re not sure on what VPN to pick, click here to read our top 10 VPNs of 2023.