VPN apps rocket up download charts in Australia as porn websites begin blocking users

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 1 min read 100% complete by Josh Taylor Technology reporterMarch 9, 2026 at 03:20 AM

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In Australia, VPN app downloads have surged following the implementation of new online safety codes on Monday that require age verification for access to adult websites. Data from Sensor Tower shows VPN Super Unlimited Proxy rising from 40th to 7th place in free iPhone apps between March 2nd and Sunday. Similarly, Proton VPN jumped from 174th to 19th, and NordVPN climbed from 189th to 13th. This increase in VPN usage suggests Australians are seeking ways to bypass the new age verification measures being enforced by pornographic websites. The new codes are intended to protect users online.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Sensor Tower 60% VPN Super Unlimited Proxy 70% Proton VPN ×290% NordVPN ×290% Australia ×4100%

Keywords

vpn apps 100% australia 90% porn websites 80% age verification 70% nordvpn 60% proton vpn 60% online safety codes 60% virtual private network 50% app downloads 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: 0.10

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

85%

Geographic Perspective

Australia

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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vpn apps australia porn websites age verification nordvpn proton vpn online safety codes virtual private network app downloads

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