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Wales leads UK VPN surge as new porn laws spark digital backlash

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Searches for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have surged across the UK following the introduction of the Online Safety Act, as people look for ways to bypass new age-verification rules affecting a wide range of websites.

The law came into effect on Friday (July 25) and was designed to prevent under-18s from accessing harmful content online, with a particular focus on pornography. But the latest data shows the impact is being felt much more broadly.

Searches for VPNs jumped 234 percent nationwide in the week following the law’s introduction. Wales saw the biggest increase at 341 percent, followed by Scotland with a 286 percent rise, Northern Ireland at 272 percent, and England with the smallest spike at 228 percent.

While much of the public debate has focused on pornographic sites like Pornhub, which now require verified proof of age to access, the new rules extend far beyond adult content. Platforms including Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), Discord, and even Wikipedia are also expected to comply with the regulations, which aim to restrict underage access to anything deemed harmful.

Companies that fail to meet the new requirements face fines of up to £18 million or 10 percent of their global revenue. In some cases, online services may simply disable features like group chat, voice messaging or content sharing to avoid falling under the scope of the Act.

Andrew Wailes, chief executive of digital identity firm PlaySafe ID, said the legislation was originally focused on pornography but has since expanded to cover almost all forms of user-to-user communication. He noted that some gaming companies are considering removing chat functions for UK users altogether, while Wikipedia has reportedly explored limiting access to under seven million users per month to avoid triggering compliance duties.

The surge in VPN interest suggests that many users are actively seeking ways around the new restrictions, prompting renewed calls for better sex education and more open dialogue at home.

Tom and Isabelle, sexual health experts from the educational platform Talking Kinky, said the figures highlight a gap between government policy and real-life behaviour. They urged parents to speak frankly with their children about relationships, pleasure, and consent—not just risk avoidance.

Isabelle said that traditional sex education often fails to address the emotional and pleasurable aspects of intimacy, leaving young people to search for answers elsewhere. Tom added that abstinence-only approaches are ineffective and that open, fact-based conversations are key to supporting teenagers in making informed choices.

The Online Safety Act was passed by Parliament in 2023 and has been described by the UK Government as a vital measure to protect children online. However, critics argue that its sweeping scope could limit free expression and fundamentally change the way people access the internet.

With VPN use soaring and major websites adjusting their services, the full impact of the law may only be beginning to show.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

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A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

  • Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
  • Common assault
  • Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • A second count of assault
  • Criminal damage
  • An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
  • A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • Intentional non-fatal strangulation
  • Common assault on a woman
  • Criminal damage in a domestic context
  • Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
  • Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.

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