This is not about network filters. They want phones to scan through pictures on the device.

It will use on-device scanning so vpns are completely useless to stop it. When the phone tries to open the nude image, whether it is in a message or on a website or in the camera roll, the phone will detect it is a nude and refuse to display it. Maybe with an optional notification to a government server or parent.

the pipeline is under construction, the final form is hardware age verification on every device

I guess they're taking an educated gamble on the kids not being able to operate a basic VPN.

But more to the point, as ever, this has got nothing to do with blocking nudes for minors, its got everything to do with forcing porn-seeking adults to identify themselves. In my option.