- Searches for ‘VPN’ in Missouri skyrocket as age verification law goes into effect
- On November 30, age verification became mandatory to access adult content
- All sites that contain 33% of “material harmful to minors” must comply
Today, November 30, is the first day that all internet users in Missouri must prove they are at least 18 years old to access adult-only content online – and many citizens are beginning to look for ways to protect their personal data.
Google searches for the terms ‘VPN’ and ‘free VPN’ have skyrocketed in the Ozark state since Missouri’s age verification law went into effect, according to data from Google Trends.
Search volume for the term ‘VPN’ has doubled since Saturday (November 29), with a further increase recorded today.
This trend follows similar increases in VPN usage recorded elsewhere in the US and abroad as other states implemented some form of mandatory age verification.
With Missourians trying to protect the privacy of their most sensitive information, it is very likely that statewide incidents of phishing and online fraud will increase. Mandatory age checks can push many towards dangerous free VPN solutions, which far exceed the safe, reliable best free VPNs available in app stores.
There are even some newly published VPN solutions popping up that are directly aimed at those looking for a Missouri VPN.
Before Sunday, a quick search for “Missouri VPN” turned up many names our team of expert VPN reviewers and lab testers had never even heard of in the top results.
If you are looking for a reliable solution, there are good free VPNs that will help. However, it’s also a perfect time to try a paid product, with many of the very best VPNs on the market now offering limited-time Black Friday VPN deals.
This includes TechRadar’s top-rated service, NordVPN, which is still at its lowest 2025 price for at least a few days.
Missouri Age Verification and Privacy – Everything You Need to Know
Missouri’s age verification rules are similar to those adopted in other US regions. Therefore, the same set of issues remain for user privacy and security.
Under the new rules, any website or application that contains more than one-third “material harmful to minors” must verify that their users are adults before giving them access. This is a provision that experts speaking to TechRadar have criticized for its “vague” wording.
There are a few age verification methods that users and providers can choose from. These include the use of digital ID, scanning of government issued identification documents or other transaction data.
The law requires website and app providers to use all reasonable methods to secure user data. Providers are also prohibited from retaining identifying information unless otherwise required by law enforcement.
Nevertheless, these are guarantees that have so far failed to convince experts that data abuse and leaks will remain at bay.
“By forcing everyone to hand over their most valuable and sensitive identity data, the law builds a dangerous new surveillance infrastructure instead of actually keeping young people safe,” Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) activist Molly Buckley told TechRadar.
Clearly, people in Missouri share the same concerns and are not willing to give away their most sensitive details so easily. Virtual Private Network (VPN) tools seem to be the best chance they have now to keep control of their data.
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone the use of a VPN service to break the law or carry out illegal activities. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
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