If you’re planning a trip to the UK in 2025 or beyond, your online privacy will be at risk from the moment you connect to the internet.

The UK’s Online Safety Act — framed as a law to protect children from harmful content — applies to visitors just as it does to residents. That means you could be required to verify your identity before using certain websites, apps, or online services.

And this isn’t just typing in your date of birth.

We’re talking about handing over government-issued ID, facial scans, and bank card details — all linked directly to your online activity. Once collected, this data could be stored indefinitely, shared with other governments (including the US under the CLOUD Act), or exposed in a breach.

This guide explains exactly what data you might be asked for, why it matters, and what steps you can take before you travel to keep control of your privacy.

The Data You Might Have to Hand Over

Under the Online Safety Act, platforms classed as high-risk for adult or harmful content — from dating apps to chat forums, and even some music or social sites — must verify user age and identity. This could include:

• Government-issued ID scans – A passport, driving licence, or national identity card scan.
• Credit card or bank details – Linking your legal identity and financial account to your online use.
• Facial recognition data – Live selfies or short videos to match against ID photos.
• Biometric scans – Fingerprints or device sensor data in some cases.
• Location data – Apps like Grindr, Scruff, or Bumble automatically track your position. In the UK, that’s tied to your verified identity.
• Browsing history – Which websites you visited, when, and for how long — linked to your verified account.
• Communication metadata – Who you messaged, which groups you joined, and your activity in online communities.

While the stated goal is to block minors from adult content, the infrastructure created is a goldmine for surveillance, profiling, and data mining.

How This Data Could Be Used

Once you’ve verified your identity, your online movements are no longer anonymous. Here’s how that could play out:

• Profiling and targeting – Data analysis could infer your sexual interests, need we say more based on our history?
• Cross-border data sharing – If a platform is based in the US, your data can be handed to American authorities under the CLOUD Act — even if you’re not a US citizen.
• International vulnerability – If you live in or visit a country hostile to LGBTQIA+ rights, leaked or shared data could be used against you- forget the days of travel without fear.
• Data breach risks – Governments and corporations alike have suffered major leaks. A breach involving verified dating app data could be devastating costing you money, your job and more.

How to Prepare Before You Travel to the UK

If you value your privacy — and especially if you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community — you can take steps to limit your exposure before your trip.

1. Audit your apps
Delete or deactivate accounts that require age verification or hold sensitive data. Check whether the apps you use are covered by the Online Safety Act.

2. Consider a “travel phone”
Use a clean device with minimal personal data. Sign into only essential services and avoid storing sensitive files or images.

3. Disable location tracking
Turn off GPS for dating and social apps. Even better, don’t log into them from the UK unless absolutely necessary.

How to disable GPS tracking on android

How to disable GPS tracking on iPhone

4. Use privacy-focused alternatives
For messaging, consider apps like Signal that don’t require linking to an ID or phone number (though availability in the UK may change). These apps protect you end to end with encryption so your data stays safe with you.

5. Limit browser logins
Use incognito/private mode and avoid signing into accounts on devices connected to UK networks unless you’re prepared for possible ID requests.

6. Backup and remove sensitive content
Store personal or intimate files somewhere secure before you travel, then delete them from your devices.

7. Use encrypted connections
While VPNs are discouraged by some UK politicians, they still add a layer of privacy for now. Choose one with a proven no-logs policy. Some good options are:

Proton VPN – Based in Switzerland, outside of 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances. Open-source apps, audited no-logs policy.

Mullvad – Sweden-based, privacy-first, allows anonymous sign-up with no email required, accepts cash payments.

IVPN – Gibraltar jurisdiction, very transparent, regularly audited, open-source apps.

ExpressVPN – Based in the British Virgin Islands, independent security audits, RAM-only servers (data wiped on reboot).

Surfshark – Netherlands jurisdiction, audited no-logs policy, offers “MultiHop” for extra encryption layers.

NordVPN – Panama jurisdiction, third-party audited, offers obfuscated servers to bypass network restrictions.

Windscribe – Canada-based, generous free plan, good speeds, and transparent privacy policy.

A Note on VPN Choice

While any reputable VPN can add a layer of privacy, not all are created equal. Look for one with a verified no-logs policy, strong AES-256 encryption, obfuscated servers to disguise VPN use, and ideally a jurisdiction outside of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance.

⚠ Jurisdiction matters: For example, Canada (where Windscribe is based) is part of the “Five Eyes,” meaning your data could be shared with allied governments. If this is a concern, choose a provider headquartered outside these alliances.

What to Do When You Arrive in the UK

Even if you’ve prepared before your trip, your online safety still depends on what you do once you’re connected inside the UK. 

• Use secure networks only – Avoid free public Wi-Fi unless you connect through your VPN first. Public networks can make you a target for snooping or man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Be selective about logins – If a site or app prompts for ID, stop and decide if it’s truly worth accessing in the moment. Many services can wait until you’re back home.
• Use privacy-focused browsers – Switch to browsers like Brave, Firefox Focus, or DuckDuckGo Browser for built-in tracker blocking.
• Keep location services off – If you re-enable GPS for navigation, turn it off again immediately afterward, especially for dating and social apps.
• Avoid sharing real-time location on social media – Wait until you’ve left a location before posting about it.
• Monitor permissions – Check which apps have camera, mic, or location access, and disable any that don’t need it.

By taking these small but deliberate steps, you reduce the risk of leaving a digital trail tied to your verified identity.

Quick Action Checklist – Staying Private in the UK

Before you log on:

• Connect to your VPN before opening any browser or app.
• Use your travel phone (minimal personal data, no sensitive apps).
• Disable GPS for dating and social apps unless essential.
• Use incognito/private mode for browsing.
• Log out of personal accounts on public or hotel Wi-Fi.

If asked for ID verification:

• Decline if possible — try an alternative service without verification.
• Use a privacy-friendly site/app instead of regulated platforms.
• Contact the service provider to ask about temporary guest access.

Daily habits:

• Clear browser history and cookies every day.
• Log out of apps when not in use.
• Keep sensitive files offline (USB, encrypted drive).
• Stick to encrypted messengers (Signal, Threema, Session, Apple Messages, WhatsApp).

Apps & Platforms at Risk Under the Online Safety Act

Although more than 1000 apps and platforms are already affected by the legislation, more are currently being added daily. here’s what you likely need to know to stay safe online in the UK.

⚠ *Signal currently does not require ID, but UK regulation could change that.
🔴 High = almost certain to require invasive ID checks for access.

Why This Isn’t Just Paranoia

The Online Safety Act is law — not a proposal.

Platforms are already preparing to comply, and visitors will not be exempt. Once your identity is tied to your online activity, you can’t untangle it.

Whether you’re traveling for work, a holiday, for a Pride event, or to see friends, take a few hours before you leave to secure your digital life. Think of it as packing — but for your privacy.

Because in today’s UK, going online without preparation could mean handing over your digital identity to strangers, corporations, and even foreign governments — all without ever knowing who’s looking at it, or why.

Do you think there is anything we should add to this list to stay safe with your data while traveling to the UK? Let us know in the comments below.