VPNs up, porn websites down as Australia brings in new online age-restrictions


A man uses a mobile phone at dusk in Brisbane, Australia, December 8, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

SYDNEY, March 9 (Reuters) - Virtual private networks (VPNs) ⁠were among Australia's most downloaded smartphone applications, usage data showed, while one of the world's ⁠largest pornography distributors said it was blocking users as the country rolled out sweeping online ‌age-restrictions on Monday.

After becoming the first country to impose a nationwide ban on teenagers using social media last December, Australia joined Britain, France and dozens of U.S. states requiring websites which disseminate pornography to verify users are over 18. App stores must also ​run age checks before allowing downloads of software labelled 18+.

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