96. The Online Safety Act provides one of the strongest online safety frameworks in the world, placing clear duties on platforms to tackle illegal content, including electoral offences, harassment and abuse, and related harms, including where it is AI-generated. 97. There are legitimate reasons for people to use VPNs, including protecting their privacy and keeping personal data secure. The use of a VPN does not automatically indicate malicious activity, nor does the lack of a VPN connection guarantee confidence in an account’s declared location. The Government continues to monitor the use of VPNs on the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act and will consider other options if necessary. Any intervention must be proportionate and evidence based. 98. We recognise and are concerned about the threat of transnational repression online but are confident that the Online Safety Act strikes the right balance in requiring platforms to mitigate against online behaviours, including threats to kill, harassment and stalking, controlling or coercive behaviour and communications offences (threatening or false communications), commonly associated with transnational repression. Nevertheless, the Government will continue to keep the Online Safety Act under review to ensure it is fit for purpose.