Australians flock to VPNs after new national internet bans block
Following Sunday's implementation of comprehensive digital safety laws in Sydney and Melbourne that mandate age verification for online content, major global pornography distributors have begun blocking Australian users. Consequently, usage data shows virtual private networks (VPNs) among the most downloaded smartphone applications as citizens seek workarounds to access restricted material last December when Australia became a pioneer with nationwide restrictions on minors' internet use
Key Points
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1Australia implemented new nationwide internet age-restriction laws in late 2019 and early March.
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2Major pornography distributors have blocked Australian users following these strict legal changes.
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3VPNs were among the most downloaded smartphone applications as Australians sought to bypass content restrictions.
Developments
Perspectives
Australians are heavily downloading virtual private networks (VPNs) while one of the world's largest pornographic content distributors has announced it is blocking users from accessing its services.
— [Mar 09, 24sata.hr]Following mandatory age verification and website blocks by Australian authorities on Monday to implement sweeping online restrictions for minors in December (the first country worldwide), VPN usage surged among smartphone applications as Australians sought alternative access methods. One of the world's largest pornographic distributors confirmed it is blocking users from Australia.
— [Mar 09, Straitstimes]Australians are reaching out to use virtual private networks (VPNs) while finding that major pornography websites have been blocked as new online age-restrictions take effect across the nation. This follows a mandatory verification process and site blocking initiated last December.
— [Mar 09, Tribune.com.pk]