Daily VPN usage in the UK has nearly doubled since the implementation of new online safety rules, according to a report from the country's media watchdog. The number of daily UK VPN users rose from 1.2 million before July 2025 to 2.2 million after the rules took effect, the Financial Times reported, citing an official Ofcom study. About a quarter of children have used VPNs to bypass restrictions designed to protect them, the research found.
Ofcom investigates TikTok compliance
UK communications regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation into whether TikTok is complying with the Online Safety Act's duties to prevent children from seeing harmful content. The probe will also examine the effectiveness of TikTok's age assurance systems. An update on the investigation is expected in October 2026.
EU exempts wearables from battery rule
The European Union is excluding wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart glasses from an incoming regulation that will require a wide range of electronics to have user-replaceable batteries. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 will not be exempt and must come with a replaceable battery in the EU by the time the law takes effect in February 2027.
AST SpaceMobile delays satellite service
AST SpaceMobile was targeting the end of 2026 to begin service, but its low-Earth orbit constellation won't reach its target of 45 BlueBird satellites until "early 2027." The delay is partly due to Blue Origin's failure to properly deploy one of AST's giant cell towers, as well as a reduction in launch capacity now that the New Glenn rocket is sidelined by a subsequent launch pad explosion.
Bethesda layoffs hit 379 staff
Bethesda Game Studios has laid off 379 employees in Maryland, according to a WARN notice obtained by Game Developer. The cuts include major layoffs at the studio's Rockville headquarters. Game File also reported senior leadership departures at Zenimax Online Studios.
Linux maintainer defends AI inclusion
Linus Torvalds, the top-level maintainer of the Linux kernel, has firmly defended the inclusion of AI-related code in the open-source operating system. "I realize that some people really dislike AI, but this is an area where I'm willing to absolutely put my foot down," Torvalds said in a message reported by The Register. He added that anyone who objects can "do the open-source thing and fork it."