Virtual private networks (VPNs)
Also known as:
- VPN
What is Risk ?
Digital risk factors associated with their interests and activities
When someone goes online their internet service provider (ISP) gives them an ‘IP address’. This can be used to work out someone’s physical location.
VPNs can hide a user’s IP address by their routing activity through a server that isn’t someone’s actual point of accessing the internet. For example, if someone is using the internet in Edinburgh, a VPN could route their activity through a server in the US.
VPNs also encrypt a user’s internet activity, for example, their browsing history. Encryption is when data is scrambled. It can only be read by the user or others authorised with a key to unscramble the information.
VPNs might be used to:
- get around government censorship or age-restricted websites
- access streaming services only available in a different country
- make computer systems more secure
VPNs can be used on different devices, including laptops, PCs, and smartphones.
Where this can happen
Risks and motivations
Risks
Accessing websites and content
Because VPNs hide user data they can be used to bypass things like content and restrictions. For example, a child or young person might use a VPN to access age-restricted content on YouTube or adult content on another website.
They could also use a VPN to access websites and content on the dark web. Some content on the dark web can be illegal, inappropriate, or upsetting to view.
False sense of security
VPNs do not guarantee that a user can remain anonymous or private when online. Some VPNs may log user data and then sell this to another company. A user may have no control over how this data is then used.
Using a VPN could:
- give a child or young person a false sense of security
- make them less concerned about the things they post
- motivate them to access inappropriate or restricted sites
For example, they could access a site selling illegal goods or services because they think they are anonymous. As a result, they may get in trouble with the police.
A child or young person could also be less worried about hackers, malware and computer viruses.
Motivations
A child or young person might want to use a VPN to:
- stay anonymous online
- access more content, for example, another country’s streaming service
- access adult or inappropriate content
- explore how the technology works
- avoid or block targeted ads
What you can do
You may be working with a child or young person who uses a VPN.
You might find it helpful to get more information about their online activity. You could talk about:
- what they use a VPN for
- which VPN they use
- some possible risks, like harmful or illegal content
- limitations of VPNs, like privacy and anonymity
- why it’s important to speak to a trusted adult if ever unsure or worried
Talking can be one way to identify possible risks or harms. It can also help to minimise the likelihood of a child or young person experiencing them.
If you think that a young person is at risk, follow your safeguarding procedure and read our safeguarding guidance.
Support
A child or young person’s recovery will depend on the kind of harm they have encountered when using a VPN. For example, if a young person has accessed content which has upset or frightened them, they may need specialist, emotional support.
If they have experienced harms relating to hacking or malware you could help them seek technical advice or perform practical steps, like running antivirus software or resetting passwords.
Recovery can also involve minimising the chances of future risk and harm. One way to do this might be to explore technology like VPNs with a child or young person’s parent or carer.
Read more about virtual private networks (vpns)
Share your experience of virtual private networks (vpns)
You can tell us about:
- other terms you might have heard
- conversations you’ve had with young people
- a related platform or app
- another related risk or harm