Mozilla warns UK regulators against age-gating VPNs, calling them essential privacy tools

Summary

Mozilla has responded to a UK government consultation on additional measures to protect young people online, specifically addressing proposals to age-gate VPNs. Mozilla argues that VPNs are essential privacy and security tools that should not be undermined, as they help protect users—including young people—from surveillance, data collection, and online threats. The company warns that restricting VPN access could harm user privacy and security, and that age assurance systems should not come at the cost of undermining fundamental privacy protections.