UK Businesses Pivot from VPNs to Proxies to Outsmart Heightened Regulatory Scrutiny
A growing number of UK businesses are turning away from traditional Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and embracing proxy services as their preferred tool for digital operations, amid tightening regulatory scrutiny and increased awareness of performance and compliance risks.
UK Businesses Are Ripping Up The VPN Rulebook and Embracing Proxies
According to fresh intel from Decodo, the UK is booming with a 65 % jump in proxy users and a staggering 88 % rise in traffic driven by proxies over the last year. It’s a clear sign that firms are hunting for total control, flexibility, and a smooth ride through the legal maze.
Why the Switch to Proxies?
VP‑Savickas (Decodo’s CEO) says, “Companies aren’t just picking the next shiny gadget; they’re going smart.” The shift? From one‑size‑fits‑all VPNs that come with the “security flag” and struggle with geo‑blocks, to modern proxies that give you pinpoint control and low‑risk footprints.
- Instant regional routing – get the local IP you need.
- Dynamic IP switching that keeps you under the radar.
- Super‑low detection risk – perfect for web scraping, SEO checks, and cyber ops.
“Flexibility Is the New Cornerstone,” Says Gabriele Verbickait
“Proxies can be tweaked to match every workflow – from tracking prices in different currencies to bypassing bot protection with no snags.” Gabriele adds that these tools let companies stay ahead of bans and blacklists.
Real‑World Use Cases Across UK Industries
- Competitive price tracking & product benchmarking
- Localized ad verification & SEO campaign monitoring
- Secure data extraction from geo‑restricted sites
- Cybersecurity research & fraud prevention
And it isn’t just about bare‑bones proxies. UK firms are now mixing residential, datacenter, mobile, and ISP proxies for sharper connectivity and precise location data – a huge upgrade over the old VPN setup.
Vaidotas Juknys on What’s Driving the Trend
“UK businesses aren’t just looking to stay pseudonymous; they’re after flawless data pipelines, unbothered research, and marketing tools that work like a charm.” Vaidotas explains that the looming regulatory curbs on VPNs are nudging firms to “ditch the tunnel and find a more sustainable way.”
Not Just a Trend – It’s a Digital Resilience Playbook
Decodo’s latest study shows companies are actively learning the difference between a VPN and a proxy. They’re testing hands‑on, measuring performance, and choosing partners that support compliance. The demand has pushed proxy platforms to become enterprise‑grade and easy to integrate.
- Premium security features
- Scalable infrastructure for massive data needs
- User‑friendly dashboards that fit into existing workflows
Final Word from Savickas
“The adoption isn’t a fleeting hype; it’s a strategic, long‑term shift toward building digital resilience before legislation catches up.”
With startups and FTSE leaders alike dipping into proxy solutions, this is more than a tech swap – it’s a real homage to smarter business strategy in a tightly regulated online landscape.
