“Why can’t I open Reddit anymore?”

This is the kind of question UK users are suddenly asking in 2025—often while staring at a login screen that demands proof of age, a passport scan, or even a facial scan just to view content that was accessible a year ago.

It’s not just Reddit. Snapchat, OnlyFans, and even certain comment sections on mainstream news sites are prompting users to verify their identity. Behind it all is a new legal shift: the UK Online Safety Act.

As this law reshapes the UK’s digital landscape, millions are discovering that VPNs are no longer just for cybersecurity geeks or remote workers. They’ve become a daily tool for regular users—people who simply want to scroll, watch, comment, and connect without being blocked or tracked.

What’s Happening with Social Media in the UK?

The Online Safety Act, enforced starting in 2025, requires all platforms hosting adult or user-generated content to implement strict age verification protocols. That means:

•     No more anonymous browsing on Reddit NSFW subreddits
  

•     Snapchat stories restricted unless your ID is verified
  

•     X (Twitter) hiding certain accounts and replies for unverified users
  

•     Access to OnlyFans and similar platforms blocked by UK ISPs altogether
  

These changes apply across platforms and devices—including Smart TVs, Android phones, tablets, and even school laptops.

While the law was designed to protect children, it’s catching many adult users in the net. From casual Reddit lurkers to content creators, people are hitting roadblocks that didn’t exist before—and they’re not happy about it.

What Are Users Doing About It?

Instead of handing over personal documents to dozens of websites, many users are choosing a different path: virtual private networks (VPNs).

A VPN masks your location and encrypts your internet connection. When you connect through a VPN server outside the UK—say, in Germany, Canada, or the U.S.—you bypass the region-specific restrictions that block content based on your country.

This means you can:

•     Browse Reddit as if you were outside the UK
  

•     Access comment sections and NSFW content without uploading your ID
  

•     Avoid ISP-level blocks imposed on adult content platforms
  

•     Reclaim access to international news, forums, and entertainment
  

Use Case: VPN on Smart TVs and Streaming Devices

It’s not just smartphones or laptops affected by these restrictions. Many users report seeing blocked apps or limited features when using Smart TVs or Android TV boxes.

For example:

•     The YouTube app may restrict certain age-sensitive videos
  

•     Social media apps like Reddit or Twitter installed on TV devices may not load certain content
  

•     UK-based streaming apps may begin enforcing ID checks for specific shows or forums

This is where a VPN app for Android TV comes in handy. With a simple installation, users can:

•     Route their TV connection through a different country
  

•     Restore access to blocked or limited apps
  

•     Stream and browse with greater privacy
  

•     Avoid having to log in or verify their age on every device
  

X-VPN’s Android TV app, for instance, is lightweight and requires no account or configuration—ideal for users who want to set it up once and forget it.

What Makes a Good VPN for UK Users in 2025?

With VPN usage rising, not all services are created equal. For UK users navigating the Online Safety Act’s side effects, the best VPNs share these features:

•     Multiple global locations: Choose from different countries based on access needs
  

•     Strict no-log policy: Your browsing history isn’t tracked or stored
  

•     Multi-platform support: Available on PC, Android, iOS, and smart devices
  

•     Fast speeds: Minimal lag while streaming or browsing
  

•     One-click setup: No complex configuration needed
  

For those seeking the best VPN for UK users, flexibility matters. A service that works seamlessly across desktop, mobile, and home entertainment systems lets you control your online experience no matter where you’re browsing.

Don’t Forget the Privacy Layer

While most people turn to VPNs to access blocked content, there’s a second benefit that’s equally important: protecting your data.

When you log in with your passport, ID, or biometrics to access Reddit or other services, you’re not just authenticating once—you’re often giving platforms permission to store and process that data long-term. Even when those platforms promise security, breaches happen.

A VPN doesn’t eliminate every risk, but it does give you the option to browse more anonymously, reducing the need to disclose who you are unless you choose to.

Final Thought: Freedom to Choose

No one’s saying we shouldn’t protect minors online. But in trying to solve one problem, the UK’s digital policies have created another—one that affects adults, erodes privacy, and limits access to global content.

A VPN doesn’t break the law. It simply gives you the freedom to decide how much of your identity to share, and when.

Whether you’re watching videos on your Android TV, exploring Reddit communities, or simply avoiding unnecessary data collection, a VPN puts you back in control.

And in 2025, that kind of control might be more valuable than ever.

This article was contributed by Nate Cipher, a privacy-focused tech writer at xvpn.io, specializing in online