IT legislation and regulation
Understanding the law as it applies to IT management can be one of the hardest task for IT leaders, but the growing burden of regulatory compliance makes it essential. Legislation and regulation affects enterprise IT in many ways, not just in long-standing tasks such as contracts and software licensing. We examine the latest legal development and how they affect IT managers, and talk to the experts in IT legislation and regulation to explain what it means to your organisation.
-
News
18 Jul 2023
NATO membership to drive Nordic cyber security sector growth
The Nordic cyber security sector will see increasing demand as Finland and Sweden joint NATO Continue Reading
-
News
24 Apr 2023
Finland and Estonia deepen cross-border digital partnerships
Finland and Estonia, two global tech pioneers, are increasingly sharing their expertise Continue Reading
-
News
08 Aug 2023
Workplace monitoring needs worker consent, says select committee
Employers looking to monitor their employees through connected devices should only to so with the consent of those affected due to negative impacts such surveillance can have on work intensification and mental health Continue Reading
-
News
07 Aug 2023
NHS trust suspends two governors as whistleblower email dispute continues
Governors at an NHS trust have been suspended after asking questions about emails used to bring a General Medical Council investigation against a whistleblower Continue Reading
-
News
07 Aug 2023
Rise in fraudsters spoofing the websites of leading UK banks
Despite safeguards to protect customers from scams, UK retail banks are still seeing high volumes of fake phishing websites exploiting their brands, and the problem seems to be increasing in scope and scale Continue Reading
-
News
04 Aug 2023
Biden’s SBOM mandate a ‘shot heard around the world’, report says
Two years and three months after Joe Biden mandated new standards in supply chain security, over 40% of UK respondents to a survey say they have implemented new SBOM policies in direct response Continue Reading
-
News
03 Aug 2023
Scottish NHS trust ducks fine after staff shared patient data via WhatsApp
NHS Lanarkshire has been issued a formal reprimand by the ICO after staff members used WhatsApp to share patients’ personal data with one another Continue Reading
-
News
02 Aug 2023
Improved rural connectivity could add £65bn to UK economy
Study from leading operator and economic consultancy points to potential massive economic boost to UK rural communities through increased digital connectivity and if long-standing obstacles are removed Continue Reading
-
News
01 Aug 2023
UK government announces 5G Innovation Regions fund
Applications now open for £40m financing designed to unlock 5G benefits across the UK with aim of sparking local ‘digital revolutions’ and pioneer digital connectivity for residents and businesses Continue Reading
-
Opinion
31 Jul 2023
IT Sustainability Think Tank: Preparing the enterprise for tightening green regulations
There is an ever-growing list of rules and regulations for enterprises to get their heads around when it comes to sustainability, but what can they do to keep on top of things? Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Jul 2023
Gartner: Steps to improving test data management
Product teams face issues around poor practices in test data management and failure to comply with data regulations – we look at ways to address those issues Continue Reading
-
Opinion
28 Jul 2023
IT Sustainability Think Tank: Recruitment and the regulatory landscape
There is an ever-growing list of rules and regulations for enterprises to get their heads around when it comes to sustainability, but what can they do to keep on top of things? Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jul 2023
Risks of opening up AI
Meta has annouced that its Llama 2 large language model will be freely available under a community licence with certain restrictions Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jul 2023
HMRC hits back at contractor hiring ban claims after accounts reveal no outside IR35 workers
The government tax collection agency has once again been forced to deny it has banned the use of outside IR35 contractors following the publication of its latest set of accounts Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jul 2023
US cyber breach reporting rules to have global impact
Organisations that operate as Foreign Private Issuers in the US will have to get to grips with strict new cyber breach reporting regulations handed down by the SEC in Washington Continue Reading
-
News
25 Jul 2023
Tetra radio users’ comms may have been exposed for years
A number of flaws in the encryption algorithms used in the secure Tetra radio communications standard have potentially left users exposed to snooping Continue Reading
-
News
24 Jul 2023
Tribunal investigates complaint that journalists’ phones were unlawfully monitored
The Investigatory Powers Tribunal has agreed to investigate complaints by Northern Ireland investigative journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey that they were unlawfully placed under surveillance Continue Reading
-
Opinion
24 Jul 2023
Transforming the financial system's plumbing
Executive heading up the Bank of England’s core system replacement project says the financial services sector plumbing is getting the attention it deserves. Continue Reading
-
News
24 Jul 2023
Bank of England’s project to replace ‘beating heart’ is foundation for continuous development
The Bank of England has reached a major milestone in its core system replacement programme, with next landmark in sight Continue Reading
-
Opinion
21 Jul 2023
The problem with ‘secure’ messaging
Secure instant messaging is becoming a norm for business communications but it raises three important security and compliance questions Continue Reading
-
Feature
21 Jul 2023
What the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act means for UK industry
For years, many network-connected devices have lacked adequate security, putting their users and others at risk of cyber attacks. The UK’s Product Security and Telecommunication Act aims to prevent this by mandating minimum security requirements, but what impact will this have on industry? Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jul 2023
Electronic Trade Documents Act receives royal assent
Digital trade documents are to be accorded the same status in law as paper ones under a law implemented to help reduce paper waste and speed up the UK’s foreign trade Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jul 2023
Online Safety Bill screening measures amount to ‘prior restraint’
The Open Rights Group is calling on Parliament to reform the Online Safety Bill, on the basis that its content-screening measures would amount to “prior restraint” on freedom of expression Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jul 2023
How the DSMA balances security and privacy with press freedom
In a world of information sharing and 24-hour news cycles, the Defence and Security Media Advisory committee have to balance national security and data privacy with freedom of the press Continue Reading
-
Opinion
19 Jul 2023
At the gates – How to survive the era of cyber insecurity
Businesses face more legal risks, a mine field of regulation, and individual liability for failures. Getting the basis right is more important than ever. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
19 Jul 2023
We have lift off… The opportunities and risks of generative AI
How you can use AI to benefit your business while navigating the risks Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jul 2023
‘Significant gaps’ in UK AI regulation, says Ada Lovelace Institute
UK government’s plans to diffuse regulatory responsibility for AI among existing regulators will mean the tech is “only partially regulated”, while its data reforms will undercut already-limited existing protections, says Ada Lovelace Institute Continue Reading
-
News
18 Jul 2023
NATO membership to drive Nordic cyber security sector growth
The Nordic cyber security sector will see increasing demand as Finland and Sweden joint NATO Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
18 Jul 2023
Computer Weekly: Soaring ahead with data at Rolls-Royce
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how aerospace giant Rolls-Royce is using data science, machine learning and internet of things to improve its competitive advantage. We examine the benefits and best practices in software-defined storage. And we analyse calls for a review of laws around the use of computer evidence prompted by the Post Office IT scandal. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Jul 2023
Home Office failures on £2bn ESN project see “significant” costs to emergency services
Public Accounts Committee slams government for appearance of complacency in its confidence over much delayed, over-budget emergency services network and calls for revised delivery plan Continue Reading
-
News
17 Jul 2023
Police Scotland use cloud for biometric data despite clear risks
Police Scotland confirms it has stored significant volumes of biometric data on a cloud-based digital evidence sharing system despite major ongoing data protection concerns, bringing into question the effectiveness of the current regulatory approach and the overall legality of using hyperscale public cloud technologies in a policing context Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jul 2023
Fast-moving BT driving UK fibre deployment
Analysis by leading financial ratings firm shows how UK fibre landscape has changed, emphasising how BT is driving pace of deployment while altnets are still deploying despite higher interest rates and inflation Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jul 2023
Horizon inquiry chief threatens Post Office with 'criminal sanctions' over disclosure failures
Sir Wyn Williams forced to act after repeated failures by Post Office to disclose evidence to the inquiry examining the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK legal history Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jul 2023
UK aviation regulators cleared on Virgin Orbit satellite failure
UK government committee clears regulation as contributing factor to UK satellite launch failure, but slams UK government for lack of action on vital component of space programme Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jul 2023
Ofcom opens investigation into Virgin Media contract cancellation
As Ofcom publishes cost-of-living action plan update on range of work to support hard-pressed households, UK watchdog to probe operator’s contract termination and complaints handling Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jul 2023
Civil society groups call on EU to put human rights at centre of AI Act
Dozens of civil society groups are calling on EU institutions to prioritise people and human rights in AI legislation as secretive negotiations begin Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jul 2023
One month after MOVEit: New vulnerabilities found as more victims are named
Five weeks after the mass MOVEit breach, new vulnerabilities in the file transfer tool are coming to light as the Clop cyber crime group continues to terrorise victims. But has the gang bitten off more than it can chew? Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jul 2023
Digital public services ‘riddled’ with problems, says TUC
The UK’s increasingly digitised public services are plagued by design, governance and workplace issues that are undermining the government’s stated goal of improving efficiency, but can be alleviated by giving public sector workers a greater say in how new technologies are being developed, deployed and controlled Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jul 2023
Forensic Institute provides Hansken viewing method for Dutch lawyers
Dutch lawyers can now view crypto communication in criminal cases from their own workplace via digital search engine Hansken. Previously, this had to be done at an external location Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jul 2023
Ofcom’s online safety preparedness efforts hobbled by government
Despite Ofcom’s progress so far, UK government changes to the scope and timetable of the Online Safety Bill are hobbling the ability of the regulator to successfully prepare for the new regime Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jul 2023
Whistleblower contacts NatWest customers affected by a decade-old data breach
Former worker says contacting the people affected by the data breach is her last resort after the bank and regulators appear satisfied that the sensitive data file is safe stored under her bed Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
12 Jul 2023
Continued disclosure failures by Post Office show contempt for Horizon victims
What are we to assume from the latest developments in the public inquiry into the Post Office scandal? Let’s lay out the facts... The inquiry was this week forced to postpone scheduled hearings ... Continue Reading
-
News
11 Jul 2023
EU formally grants data adequacy to US
The European Commission has formally granted the US data adequacy, allowing companies and organisations to freely transfer personal data across the Atlantic via the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. But privacy activist Max Schrems has already committed to legally challenging the decision Continue Reading
-
News
11 Jul 2023
Malicious URL volumes soar as cyber criminals pull on Threads
Malicious actors have been quick to exploit the buzz around Meta’s newly launched Threads platform, with thousands of new suspicious domains registered exploiting its branding Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jul 2023
Microsoft and AWS caution Ofcom against referring UK cloud market over to CMA
As the UK cloud market braces itself for the publication of Ofcom's final report into the state of the market, Amazon and Microsoft's responses to regulator's interim findings have been made public Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jul 2023
VMware ramps up on sovereign cloud in APAC
VMware is working with local partners to deliver sovereign cloud services in the region, amid growing sovereignty interests among governments and the need maintain business continuity Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jul 2023
Biometrics watchdog calls for public space surveillance review
The biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner is calling for a review of public space surveillance to gain a clearer picture about the proliferation of Chinese surveillance technology across the public sector, but warns against applying double standards on companies just because they are from China Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jul 2023
Privacy campaigners call for UK data adequacy to be revoked
The European Commission should revoke the UK’s data adequacy if its Data Protection and Digital Information Bill passes, which campaigners argue ‘flies in the face’ of the decision Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jul 2023
Meta’s Threads hits app stores, but no EU launch in sight
Meta’s Twitter competitor makes its debut and signs up millions of users in just 12 hours, but concerns over compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act have sunk a pan-European launch for now Continue Reading
-
News
04 Jul 2023
IT contractors urged to check umbrella payslips as two firms caught making unlawful deductions
Two recently published tribunal judgments emphasise why it is so important for umbrella company contractors to make sure they are being paid exactly what they are entitled to, warn experts Continue Reading
-
News
04 Jul 2023
EU judgment sinks Meta’s argument for targeted ads
The EU Court of Justice has issued a significant judgment against Meta, ruling that national anti-trust bodies can investigate GDPR breaches, disrupting the platform’s entire basis for carrying out targeted advertising Continue Reading
-
News
30 Jun 2023
AI can never be given control over combat decisions, Lords told
Artificial intelligence is technically incapable of distinguishing between the complex contextual factors of combat situations, and will likely never be able to, according to legal and software experts Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jun 2023
Charity demands transparency in digital universal credit system
The digital universal credit system needs overhauling to ensure greater transparency over benefit claims and more effective means of redress when things go wrong, says child poverty charity Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jun 2023
UK comms regulator to probe BT emergency number failure
Investigation to assess source and extent of 25 June technical issue causing lack of access to key first response services, including Metropolitan Police, Bedfordshire Police, Suffolk Police, and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jun 2023
GDPR tax reclaim scheme preys on fears of SMEs
IT suppliers are a target of companies offering a tax reclaim scheme that preys on small businesses’ fears around General Data Protection Regulation compliance Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jun 2023
UK AI plans offer ‘inadequate’ human rights protection, says EHRC
The UK’s equality watchdog says the government must properly consider human rights when implementing rules to regulate artificial intelligence, as current plan offers little protection Continue Reading
-
Opinion
26 Jun 2023
Post Office scandal inquiry phase four: Here come the lawyers…
The Post Office scandal was triggered by computer errors, but the cover-up and miscarriages of justice implicate the Post Office, government and lawyers, as professor of law and ethics Richard Moorhead explains Continue Reading
-
News
23 Jun 2023
ICO under fire for taking limited action over serious data breaches
The ICO has come under fire from lawyers and data protection specialists for just issuing written warnings to two public bodies over serious data breaches that placed people’s lives at risk Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jun 2023
Manchester University students threatened by ransomware gang
Students and staff members at the University of Manchester are being pressurised by an unnamed ransomware gang Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jun 2023
Lloyds Bank to open tech centre in India
UK bank taps into Hyderabad tech ecosystem by opening a tech centre focused on improving digital experiences for customers Continue Reading
-
Podcast
21 Jun 2023
Podcast: Cloud security, compliance and data classification
The rise of cloud has led to a proliferation of enterprise data and a rise in risk. We talk to Vigitrust CEO Mathieu Gorge about how to ensure compliance in a multicloud world Continue Reading
-
Feature
20 Jun 2023
ChatGPT is creating a legal and compliance headache for business
ChatGPT’s increased use in the workplace has led many to question its legal and compliance implications for businesses. Experts warn that the software poses major security and copyright risks Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jun 2023
Post Office will not oppose potential Horizon conviction appellants
Post Office CEO told MPs that the organisation is telling some subpostmasters it won't oppose them if they appeal Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jun 2023
Huawei slams EU high-risk supplier claims as against principles of free trade
Comms tech giant comes out swinging against being singled out by EC commissioner as having high-risk supplier status in 5G mobile infrastructures Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jun 2023
UK to contribute up to £25m to Ukraine cyber defences
Prime minister Rishi Sunak announces an expansion to the Ukraine Cyber Programme, with a cash boost of up to £25m over the next two years Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jun 2023
Visa takeover means economic turmoil won’t slow Tink’s progress
Tink is one of the pioneers of the open banking sector, and under Visa’s light-touch ownership is continuing to think like a startup Continue Reading
-
News
16 Jun 2023
Collaboration in finance sector develops prototype API for digital currency
The Bank for International Settlements and the Bank of England worked with private sector on central bank digital currency experiment Continue Reading
-
News
16 Jun 2023
BBVA uses AI and analytics services from AWS
BBVA invests in Amazon Web Services cloud platforms to help transform itself into an organisation driven by AI and data Continue Reading
-
News
15 Jun 2023
Exploitation of Barracuda ESG appliances linked to Chinese spies
Intelligence from Mandiant links exploitation of a flaw in a subset of Barracuda ESG appliances to a previously untracked China-nexus threat actor Continue Reading
-
News
15 Jun 2023
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Progress report
Halfway into its plan to give the country a makeover by 2030, Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on technology is starting to pay off Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
15 Jun 2023
The takeaways from London Tech Week
Deciphering the politician soundbites during London Tech Week shows that both the Tories and Labour are headed by party leaders who want to be seen as supporters of artificial intelligence (AI).But ... Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jun 2023
Ransomware-stricken Capita to run Action Fraud successor
A £50m deal to replace the Action Fraud service has been handed to PwC and Capita, which is facing investigations over its handling of customer data in a ransomware incident Continue Reading
-
Podcast
14 Jun 2023
Podcast: Containers, Kubernetes, data protection and compliance
Containers offer benefits to application deployment, but they proliferate, so tracking them for compliance purposes can be a challenge. We talk to Mathieu Gorge, CEO of Vigitrust Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jun 2023
Arnold Clark data leak victims prepare legal action
More than 10,000 people who had their data stolen and leaked in a ransomware attack on the Arnold Clark car dealer network have signed up to a group legal action after facing elevated amounts of fraud Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jun 2023
Umbrella market regulation: Government seeks contractor guidance on how to proceed
The government has published the results of its long-awaited consultation into the inner workings of the umbrella market, and followed it up with another one that seems to suggest sector regulation is moving one step closer Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
13 Jun 2023
UKtech50 2023: The most influential people in UK technology
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we reveal the 13th annual UKtech50 list of the most influential people in UK technology. This year’s award goes jointly to the secretaries of state for science, innovation and technology – Michelle Donelan and her maternity cover, Chloe Smith. Also, we examine the mounting legal challenges faced by the emergence of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
12 Jun 2023
Artificial intelligence - friend or foe?
AI can and will be a force for good - but we need a global conversation about its regulation to make sure the benefits of the technology outweigh the risks Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jun 2023
Rishi Sunak calls for urgency in building out UK tech
The UK prime minister used his speech during London Tech Week to discuss funding tech, attracting talent and AI safety Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jun 2023
Annual spend on regtech to reach more than £200bn by 2028
Global corporates will spend over $200bn in 2028 as the technology is used to help organisations in more industries comply with complex regulations. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Jun 2023
UK and US move closer to transatlantic data bridge deal
The British and American governments have committed, in principle, to a new data bridge agreement that will ease the free flow of personal data across the Atlantic Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jun 2023
UK gets new rules to regulate crypto sector
The Financial Conduct Authority is introducing new rules to regulate the cryptoasset sector, after being handed a government remit to oversee crypto promotions Continue Reading
-
Opinion
08 Jun 2023
Regulatory ‘lacuna’ around facial recognition threatens rights
The UK is heading for a “legal quagmire” around live facial recognition if the government and regulators do not take action to rein in use of the technology before it becomes ubiquitous Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jun 2023
Government and industry figures meet to discuss AI regulation
Tech industry figures are broadly supportive of the need for artificial intelligence to be regulated, but despite growing consensus, there is still disagreement over what effective AI regulation looks like Continue Reading
-
Podcast
08 Jun 2023
Podcast: Storage, backup, AI and data classification at RSA 2023
Much discussion at RSA 2023 about artificial intelligence, the risks to data protection, storage and compliance, plus risk and data classification, especially its impacts on access and data management Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jun 2023
UKtech50 2023 winner: Michelle Donelan/Chloe Smith, secretary of state, DSIT
Computer Weekly looks at the achievements and successes of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, as its secretary of state is recognised as the most influential person in UK technology for 2023 Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jun 2023
Open banking regulator sets out next steps
Plans for ongoing evolution of the UK open banking sector have been set out by regulator in bid to grow the open banking sector in a ‘safe, scalable and economically sustainable way’ Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jun 2023
Clop cyber gang claims MOVEit attack and starts harassing victims
The Clop cyber extortion and ransomware operation is demanding organisations pay a ransom to avoid data stolen via an exploited vulnerability in a file transfer product being leaked Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jun 2023
Payments regulator makes APP fraud reimbursement mandatory
UK payments regulator confirms changes to rules around repaying customers who lose money to authorised push payment fraudsters Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jun 2023
Victims of MOVEit SQL injection zero-day mount up
The BBC, Boots, and British Airways are among the victims of cyber incidents arising from a recently disclosed vulnerability in the MOVEit file transfer, exploitation of which is spreading fast Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jun 2023
TechUK publishes ‘UK tech plan’ for next government
Technology businesses are calling on UK politicians to devise a ‘comprehensive, forward-thinking strategy’ to realise the benefits of technology ahead of the next general election Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jun 2023
Bank of International Settlement sets up channel secure from quantum breach
The Bank of International Settlement has worked with two of Europe's central banks to explore preventing the security risks posed by quantum computers Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jun 2023
UK has time limit on ensuring cryptocurrency regulatory leadership, says Parliamentary report
Parliamentary report makes 53 recommendations to the government's plans to regulate cryptocurrency Continue Reading
-
News
01 Jun 2023
Met Police director of intelligence defends facial recognition
The Met Police’s director of intelligence has appeared before MPs to make the case for its continuing use of facial-recognition technology, following announcements from the force and the Home Office that they intend to press on with its adoption Continue Reading
-
News
30 May 2023
UK, US and Australia jointly trial AI-enabled drone swarm
British, American and Australian military organisations have trialled the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drones in a collaboration designed to drive their adoption of AI-powered military tools Continue Reading
-
News
30 May 2023
Europe’s central bank reveals drop in Euro Zone card fraud
Euro Zone card fraud drops with card-not-present scams down following the introduction of Strong Customer Authentication rules Continue Reading
-
News
30 May 2023
Downstream breaches of Capita customers spreading
As many as 90 organisations that used Capita services have now reported data breaches arising from various security incidents at the outsourcer Continue Reading
-
News
26 May 2023
Bumbling IT security analyst convicted of blackmail offences
A Hertfordshire man has been convicted of blackmail and other offences after piggybacking on an in-progress ransomware attack to try to defraud his employer, but failing to cover his tracks in any meaningful way Continue Reading
-
Opinion
26 May 2023
Five key steps where there is a risk of fraud investigation
When fraud investigators come knocking, there are some important ways in which management and senior IT professionals can make sure their company is best protected. Continue Reading
-
News
25 May 2023
Ofcom gives approval to BT full-fibre broadband pricing
UK’s independent full-fibre providers express disappointment that after a new probe, national comms regulator gives green light to incumbent telco’s new pricing structure for wholesale broadband gigabit services Continue Reading
-
News
25 May 2023
Innovate UK hit with £36m unpaid tax bill over IR35 contractor employment status errors
UK's national innovation agency is the latest public sector organisation to have found itself saddled with a sizeable tax bill because of IR35 compliance issues Continue Reading
-
News
25 May 2023
Cabinet Office publishes response to data sharing for digital ID consultation
The majority of respondents to government’s consultation on data sharing for digital identity are critical to the plans and concerned about data privacy, but Whitehall’s response says many of the responses ‘were driven by anti-digital commentaries’ Continue Reading
-
News
24 May 2023
Almost all ransomware attacks target backups, says Veeam
Some 93% of ransomware attacks go for backups and most succeed, with 60% of those attacked paying the ransom, according to a Veeam survey Continue Reading