Demand for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has skyrocketed in Florida following the implementation of a new law requiring age verification for access to adult websites.
According to research firm vpnMentor, VPN usage in the state surged by a staggering 1,150% in the first four hours of 2025, coinciding with the new law taking effect. This dramatic increase reflects a widespread effort by Floridians to bypass the restrictions and access adult content.
Florida’s House Bill 3, signed into law in 2024, mandates that websites with a “substantial portion” of adult content implement age-verification measures to prevent access by minors. However, the law has been met with criticism and concerns about privacy.
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VPNs allow users to mask their location and encrypt their internet traffic, effectively circumventing geographical restrictions. With the implementation of the new law, many Floridians have turned to VPNs to access websites that have blocked or restricted access to users in the state.
The initial surge in VPN demand was further fueled by Pornhub’s decision to block access to its site for Florida users in December 2024. This move prompted a 51% increase in VPN demand even before the law officially took effect.
Beyond bypassing restrictions, the increased use of VPNs also reflects growing privacy concerns among Floridians. The age-verification requirements under the new law necessitate users to provide personal information, raising concerns about data collection and potential misuse.
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The dramatic rise in VPN usage highlights the tension between online regulation and individual privacy. As Florida grapples with the implementation of its new law, the use of VPNs is likely to remain high, underscoring the challenges of enforcing online restrictions and the growing demand for tools that protect online privacy.
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