The UK's Online Safety Act, designed to protect users, has sparked debate over its impact on freedom of speech and digital privacy. Critics argue the law pressures platforms to over-censor legal content to avoid fines, potentially stifling open discourse. England's Children’s Commissioner, Rachel de Souza, has called for new restrictions on virtual private networks (VPNs), urging the government to implement mandatory age verification on VPNs to prevent children from bypassing age checks on online pornography. This recommendation follows concerns over a surge in VPN use as a loophole around the Act’s protections. Public opinion reflects this concern, with a YouGov poll indicating that 55% of Britons support banning under-18s from using VPNs. Additionally, the Act raises issues beyond age verification, including risks to end-to-end encryption. The debate also intersects with broader discussions on child safety, digital surveillance, and free speech in the UK, highlighted by reports of arrests for minor offenses related to online expression. Some experts caution against moral panics surrounding children’s use of technology, warning that such fears may lead to excessive censorship and surveillance measures.