NextDNS Debuts DNS-Based ‘Bypass Age Verification’ Feature

August 18, 2025 – NextDNS, the customizable DNS filtering service, has quietly rolled out a new feature called “Bypass Age Verification”, sparking attention across online privacy and tech communities.

The option appeared in the NextDNS dashboard without an official announcement, quickly gaining traction on Reddit and privacy forums.

According to reports, the feature uses DNS-level geo-spoofing. When a user tries to access age-restricted websites in a region that enforces ID checks, NextDNS redirects the DNS request through proxy servers in countries where verification rules are not required. This makes the request appear as though it originated in a compliant location, effectively bypassing identity checks. As noted by Ghacks, the functionality is available to all users, including those on the free plan.

The release comes at a time when age verification laws are being implemented across the U.K., U.S., and parts of Europe, requiring users to upload government IDs or facial scans before accessing adult content or restricted platforms. Privacy advocates argue that such measures put sensitive personal data at risk, while tools like NextDNS provide a way to preserve anonymity.

Early testers report mixed results. Some successfully bypassed restrictions, while others noted limitations, particularly on platforms such as Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube. As PPC Land pointed out, services tied to regional accounts or stricter authentication measures cannot always be circumvented with DNS alone.

On Hacker News, one user described the spread of ID-based checks as a “privacy nightmare.” Meanwhile, regulators in countries like the U.K. are already scrutinizing services that allow users to sidestep verification, warning of potential legal consequences. Sky News has previously reported that even official age-check systems have proven vulnerable to quick bypasses.

As online safety and privacy laws continue to evolve, NextDNS’s move highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between regulators seeking tighter controls and users demanding stronger privacy protections.

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