LABOUR DROPS PLAN TO LIMIT VPNS, CITING PRIVACY AND SAFETY CONCERNS

Online Safety Minister Kanishka Narayan stated that the government has decided not to restrict Virtual Private Networks following consultation with families and advocacy groups. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Narayan said the government heard from families, whistleblowers and minority groups that VPNs serve important functions for privacy protection and enabling vulnerable people to seek help. The government will continue to review the policy and work with technology companies on VPN safety for young people, he added.

The announcement marks a shift from Labour's earlier stated intention to regulate VPNs as part of its internet safety framework. Narayan indicated the decision reflected feedback gathered during public engagement on the issue. He described VPN restrictions as "not" something the government would impose at present, whilst leaving room for future policy changes on the matter.

A further government statement on social media regulation is expected to follow, with Culture Secretary Liz Kendall anticipated to address Parliament on Wednesday regarding restrictions on social media use by under-16s. The VPN decision forms part of broader government proposals on online safety and digital regulation.