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
30 Apr 2025
FCA wants ‘safe place’ for finance firms to test artificial intelligence
Financial services regulator proposes artificial intelligence testing environment as part of its AI Lab Continue Reading
-
News
30 Apr 2025
Artificial intelligence roles the ‘only safe jobs in banking’
World’s biggest banks have increased the number of employees working with artificial intelligence by 13% in the past six months Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jun 2022
Avast uncovers ‘thieves’ kitchen’ of malware-writing teens
Researchers stumble across online community of 11 to 18-year-olds constructing, exchanging and spreading malware Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jun 2022
Executive interview: Chris Conradi, chief digital officer, FSN Capital
Chris Conradi is taking his learnings at Google into the private equity industry at Norway’s FSN Capital Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jun 2022
Commercial cyber products must be used responsibly, says NCSC CEO
NCSC’s Lindy Cameron is to speak out on responsible regulation of cyber capabilities at an event in Tel Aviv, Israel Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jun 2022
Brexit a net negative for UK cyber, say CISOs
Six years on from the UK’s Brexit vote, the majority of security professionals say leaving the EU has raised concerns over their ability to keep their organisations safe Continue Reading
-
Opinion
23 Jun 2022
Finding the balance between innovation and data security in healthcare
As the government launches its data strategy for health and social care, a fine line must be trodden between innovating through privacy-enhancing technologies, and retaining data security for patients Continue Reading
-
Opinion
23 Jun 2022
What will the Data Reform Bill mean for UK businesses operating in the EU?
Following the government’s response to the Data Reform Bill consultation, Peter Galdies of DQM GRC looks at what might lie ahead for UK organisations working in the European Union Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 Jun 2022
What the world can learn from Saudi Arabia’s fight against industrial control system attacks
Iran learned from attacks on its infrastructure and unleashed similar malware on Saudi Arabia. The world has now gained valuable lessons from the Saudi response Continue Reading
-
News
23 Jun 2022
FCA seeks more tech expertise in fight against fraud
UK financial services regulator wants technology professionals to join its team fighting online fraud Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jun 2022
Uber drivers strike over pay issues and algorithmic transparency
Unionised Uber drivers take industrial action against the company over its failure to pay workers in line with a Supreme Court decision and inflation, as well as the lack of transparency around how it uses their data Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jun 2022
Yodel delivery service disrupted by cyber incident
Delivery company Yodel confirmed it had experienced a cyber incident, which researchers believe could be a ransomware attack, and is working to get systems fully running again Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jun 2022
NatWest files under whistleblower’s bed contain live customer data
Former Royal Bank of Scotland worker wants bank to take back customer files and provide an ‘adequate receipt’ Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jun 2022
Microsoft Office 365 has ability to ‘spy’ on workers
Microsoft faces calls for ‘transparency’ over tools in Office 365 that allow employers to read staff emails and monitor their computer use at work Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jun 2022
Tribunal rules in favour of HMRC as it pursues umbrella company for £11m in unpaid tax
Umbrella firm Exchequer Solutions said it plans to appeal against the outcome of a First-Tier Tribunal, which claims it owes in excess of £11m in unpaid tax relating to its handling of contractor expenses Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jun 2022
Lords move to protect cyber researchers from prosecution
A cross-party group in the House of Lords has proposed an amendment to the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill that would address concerns about security researchers or ethical hackers being prosecuted in the course of their work Continue Reading
-
Opinion
17 Jun 2022
Governance and progression of AI in the UK
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are essential to growth in the global digital economy, and the UK has ambitions to lead the way Continue Reading
-
Feature
17 Jun 2022
What the EU’s content-filtering rules could mean for UK tech
EU proposals to clamp down on child sexual abuse material will have a material impact on the UK’s technology sector Continue Reading
-
News
17 Jun 2022
Government responds to Data Reform Bill consultation
Westminster claims its new data laws will boost British benefits, protect consumers, and seize the ‘benefits’ of Brexit Continue Reading
-
News
16 Jun 2022
Loan charge MPs want contractor adviser community to participate in latest call for evidence
Loan Charge and Taxpayer Fairness All-Party Parliamentary Group seeks input from accountants, lawyers and tax advisers who work with contractors in-scope of the loan charge policy Continue Reading
-
News
16 Jun 2022
TalkTalk hacker Daniel Kelley gives up his black hat for good
After serving a four-year prison sentence for his role in the 2015 TalkTalk hack and other cyber offences, Daniel Kelley now wants to pursue a legitimate cyber security career Continue Reading
-
News
16 Jun 2022
Health app adoption on the up as users report benefits
Mobile healthcare app take-up is at a pivotal moment and clinicians will play a key role in the next phase of adoption Continue Reading
-
News
16 Jun 2022
Interpol arrests thousands in global cyber fraud crackdown
A two-month operation saw law enforcement agencies in 76 countries crack down on organised cyber fraud Continue Reading
-
News
15 Jun 2022
Public sector bodies accused of freezing out SME IT consultancies over IR35 compliance fears
After details emerged about the multimillion-pound tax bills and penalties some public sector organisations have incurred due to IR35 compliance failings, it is claimed some government departments are cutting their SME consultancy partners loose Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jun 2022
CIO interview: Morten Holm Christiansen, Haldor Topsoe
There’s no point digitising if there is no benefit to the customer, says the Danish chemicals giant’s head of IT Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jun 2022
UK, US prepare to launch PET project
A transatlantic prize challenge to accelerate development of privacy-enhancing technologies is set to begin Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jun 2022
Government recommits to UK’s cyber future in Digital Strategy
New strategy leans heavily on cyber security but stops short of announcing any initiatives that have not already been launched or heavily trailed Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jun 2022
New UK digital strategy aims to secure future growth for £150bn digital economy
Government publishes plan that brings together existing and new initiatives intended to expand the digital sector and help to establish the UK as a ‘superpower’ in science and tech Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jun 2022
New warning over tech suppliers in thrall to hostile governments
Ukraine war could lead to shakeup of dual-use tech exports, says former UK intelligence officer Continue Reading
-
News
10 Jun 2022
ICO fails to disclose majority of reprimands issued under GDPR
London law firm Mishcon de Reya forces disclosure of reprimands issued to organisations by the Information Commissioner’s Office for contraventions of UK data protection law Continue Reading
-
Opinion
10 Jun 2022
Government wrong to pass the buck on computer evidence reform
IT expert James Christie tells Computer Weekly why he is disappointed that the government has no plans to change the rules on the use of computer evidence in court Continue Reading
-
News
09 Jun 2022
Trade body calls for public-private sector collab on digital ID
TechUK has published a report outlining 10 key recommendations it believes are urgently needed to enable the rapid creation of an effectively regulated digital identity marketplace Continue Reading
-
Opinion
08 Jun 2022
Naivety of computer evidence leaves door ajar for more miscarriages of justice
Barrister Paul Marshall explains why the government’s lack of action on reforming the legal rules around computer evidence, which presume it is correct, mean the Post Office Horizon scandal could be the tip of a miscarriages of justice iceberg Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jun 2022
P27 advance could replace multiple national clearing systems in Nordics
Nordic payments project promises to make payments to other countries as easy as sending a text message Continue Reading
-
News
01 Jun 2022
Environmental social governance law enhances Danish tech’s impact
A new environmental and social law in Denmark could help the country’s tech startup ecosystem to differentiate Continue Reading
-
Opinion
01 Jun 2022
What does the EU’s NIS 2 cyber directive cover?
We run the rule over the European Union’s updated NIS2 security directive Continue Reading
-
Opinion
31 May 2022
Mobile digital transformation – from fast to deep
The first half of 2022 has been a busy time, with much happening in the mobile industry. We consider what the rest of year might hold Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
31 May 2022
Trial and error – why the law on computer evidence must change
In this week’s Computer Weekly, the Post Office IT scandal highlighted the problem with computer evidence – we examine the need for legal reform. We assess the nuclear option for sustainable datacentre power. And we find out how IT experts can improve their soft skills and boost their career prospects as a result. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
26 May 2022
Consultation launched on datacentre, cloud security
The government is seeking views on how to boost the security and resilience of the UK’s datacentres and online cloud platforms Continue Reading
-
News
26 May 2022
Two-thirds of UK organisations defrauded since start of pandemic
Nearly two out of three UK companies say they have experienced some form of fraud or economic crime in the past two years, according to a report Continue Reading
-
News
26 May 2022
The barristers that broke their backs to break the Post Office’s shield of lies
Computer Weekly spoke to the barristers at Henderson Chambers that fought the Post Office in the High Court to expose the widest miscarriage of justice in UK history Continue Reading
-
News
25 May 2022
IR35 reforms: PAC report blames HMRC for ‘widespread non-compliance’ in public sector
The Public Accounts Committee has shared the findings of its report into the after-effects of the IR35 reforms coming into force in the public sector back in April 2017 Continue Reading
-
News
24 May 2022
ICO orders facial recognition firm Clearview AI to delete all data about UK residents
UK data watchdog fines facial recognition company Clearview AI £7.5m for multiple privacy breaches. The firm, which offers services to law enforcement, faces growing pressure from regulators and legal action around the world Continue Reading
-
News
20 May 2022
Applying international law to cyber will be a tall order
Many in the security community have voiced their support for the UK government’s ambitions to work towards agreement with other countries on the application of international law to cyber space, but not without some reservations Continue Reading
-
News
20 May 2022
Two-thirds of UK homes can now sign up to gigabit broadband
UK broadband roll-out gathers pace over the first three months of 2020, with ability to sign up for gigabit access open to 66% of households. Continue Reading
-
News
20 May 2022
Third of organisations to outsource more IT amid talent shortage
Cutting costs is not the main reason for outsourcing IT in the UK, according to a major study Continue Reading
-
News
20 May 2022
Government will legislate to protect access to cash amid digital revolution
The government is giving the Financial Conduct Authority more powers to force banks to ensure cash withdrawal and deposit services are within easy reach of customers Continue Reading
-
News
19 May 2022
Defensive cyber attacks may be justified, says attorney general
Speaking ahead of a speech at the Chatham House think tank, the UK’s attorney general has suggested defensive cyber attacks against hostile countries may be legally justifiable Continue Reading
-
News
19 May 2022
Deliveroo accused of ‘soft union busting’ with GMB deal
Smaller grassroots unions have criticised Deliveroo and GMB for making a “hollow” deal that will ultimately undermine workers’ self-organising efforts Continue Reading
-
News
19 May 2022
Red teaming will be standard in Dutch governmental organisations by 2025
The Dutch government wants to include the testing of the digital security of systems, processes and people – also known as red teaming – in all of its governmental organisations’ test planning and budgeting by 2025 at the latest Continue Reading
-
News
16 May 2022
Europol gears up to collect big data on European citizens after MEPs vote to expand policing power
The European Parliament has voted to expand Europol’s role, legalising its processing of bulk datasets containing personal information and endorsing research into predictive policing technologies Continue Reading
-
News
13 May 2022
Pro-competition data sharing will not include users’ personal info, says minister
UK government proposals to improve competition in digital markets by making tech giants share data with smaller firms will not include consumers’ personal information, says digital minister Continue Reading
-
News
12 May 2022
Parasol data breach: Leaked email claims Optionis is denying responsibility for incident
Parent company of the Parasol umbrella firm that suffered a cyber attack and data breach earlier this year is denying responsibility for the incident, as legal action against the firm heats up Continue Reading
-
News
12 May 2022
GPDPR data scrape a ‘mistake’, says leading scientist
Giving evidence to the Science and Technology Committee, academic, physician and science writer Ben Goldacre has expressed serious misgivings about the on-hold GPDPR NHS data scrape Continue Reading
-
News
11 May 2022
Data Reform Bill announced in Queen’s Speech
Government claims proposals to reform the UK’s data protection regime will create a framework ‘focused on privacy outcomes rather than box-ticking’ Continue Reading
-
News
11 May 2022
Nationwide stops thousands more attempted frauds with Strong Customer Authentication
Nationwide Building Society is blocking an additional 2000 attempted online shopping frauds a month through extra checks Continue Reading
-
News
11 May 2022
Queen’s Speech: Employment Bill omission suggests further delays to umbrella market regulation
Contracting market stakeholders were hoping for some clarification on the delivery timeline for umbrella market regulation in the Queen’s Speech, but none was forthcoming Continue Reading
-
News
11 May 2022
EU plans to police child abuse raise fresh fears over encryption and privacy rights
Draft regulation unveiled today will require internet and messaging firms to use algorithms to identify grooming and child abuse or face heavy fines Continue Reading
-
News
10 May 2022
CyberUK 22: Cyber leaders affirm UK’s whole-of-society strategy
On the opening day of CyberUK 2022, GCHQ director Jeremy Fleming and NCSC CEO Lindy Cameron have spoken of their commitment to the government’s ambition for a whole-of-society cyber strategy Continue Reading
-
News
06 May 2022
UK digital markets regulator to be given statutory powers
Digital Markets Unit will be put on statutory footing by UK government to ensure technology giants do not abuse market power, but announcement comes with no clear indication of when legislation will be introduced Continue Reading
-
News
28 Apr 2022
UK regulators seek input on algorithmic processing and auditing
Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum is inviting views on how the four UK watchdogs involved should approach regulating algorithms, following its publication of discussion papers and a 2022 workplan Continue Reading
-
News
28 Apr 2022
Manufacturer sues JPMorgan after cyber criminals stole $272m
Manufacturer files lawsuit alleging that US bank failed to inform it of suspicious transaction activity Continue Reading
-
News
27 Apr 2022
Government digital ignorance puts Dutch economy at risk
In this interview, Michiel Steltman, managing director of Digital Infrastructure Netherlands, tells Computer Weekly why the Dutch digital economy is at risk due to a lack of knowledge and understanding at government level Continue Reading
-
News
26 Apr 2022
Odense Robotics helps develop key export for Denmark
Robotics seen as a future export sector for Denmark as investment startups build their skills in public sector projects Continue Reading
-
News
25 Apr 2022
Majority of workers using umbrella companies see no benefits
Research from trade body for independent professionals finds that most self-employed workers operating through an umbrella company think there are no advantages to the arrangement Continue Reading
-
News
25 Apr 2022
Post-Brexit immigration challenges sees London drop in tech ranking
Forrester’s latest research of the top European cities for technology clusters, has seen London sliding down the rankings Continue Reading
-
News
25 Apr 2022
Government appoints head of technology transfer unit
Government announces a CEO to lead its initiatives around commercialising its knowledge assets Continue Reading
-
News
22 Apr 2022
EU lawmakers propose limited ban on predictive policing systems
MEPs’ joint report on European Artificial Intelligence Act sets out limited ban on predictive policing systems alongside a raft of further amendments to improve redress mechanisms and extend the list of AI systems deemed high-risk Continue Reading
-
News
22 Apr 2022
UAE bolsters cyber security
The United Arab Emirates has successfully improved its security posture amid mounting cyber threats Continue Reading
-
News
22 Apr 2022
Finance regulator identifies challenger bank financial crime weaknesses
Financial Conduct Authority review finds challenger banks need to do more to prevent their platforms being used to commit financial crime, such as money laundering Continue Reading
-
News
21 Apr 2022
Zoom adds new round of cyber security enhancements
Videoconferencing platform Zoom adds multiple third-party security certifications and service enhancements Continue Reading
-
News
21 Apr 2022
Tech to account for over half of regulatory compliance spending
By 2026, regtech will account for more than half of the money that businesses spend on compliance with regulations Continue Reading
-
News
21 Apr 2022
Dutch schools struggle with digitisation
Now is the time for schools in the Netherlands to determine how the opportunities of distance and digital learning resources can be made to work and how the risks involved can be mitigated Continue Reading
-
News
20 Apr 2022
One-third of scams that hit TSB are impersonation fraud
TSB reports an increase in fraudsters impersonating trusted organisations to trick consumers into making payments to them Continue Reading
-
News
20 Apr 2022
Home secretary Priti Patel to decide whether to extradite Assange
Home secretary will decide in four weeks whether to approve Julian Assange’s extradition to the US, where he faces espionage and hacking charges Continue Reading
-
News
12 Apr 2022
Multiple arrests made in RaidForums takedown
A Portuguese national and a 21-year-old man from Croydon are among a number of individuals arrested ahead of the closure of RaidForums by police Continue Reading
-
News
12 Apr 2022
AI researcher says police tech suppliers are hostile to transparency
Expert witness in Lords police tech inquiry welcomes committee’s findings but questions whether its recommendations on how to end the ‘Wild West’ of police artificial intelligence and algorithmic technologies in the UK would be implemented Continue Reading
-
News
11 Apr 2022
UK altnet demands regulatory probe into broadband mid-contract price hikes
UK full-fibre broadband provider ‘startled’ to see majority of broadband customers are unaware of being locked into large-scale price rises Continue Reading
-
News
11 Apr 2022
Nordic countries discuss joint cyber defence capability
Nordic countries are in talks to increase their cyber defences in the face of the threat from Russia Continue Reading
-
News
08 Apr 2022
EncroChat: France says ‘defence secrecy’ in police surveillance operations is constitutional
Constitutional court finds that invoking ‘defence secrecy’ to withhold information about the state hacking of EncroChat cryptophones is constitutional. Defence lawyers now head for the supreme court Continue Reading
-
News
08 Apr 2022
Ukrainian cyber criminal gets five years in jail
A US court has sentenced Denys Iarmak, who worked as a penetration tester for the FIN7 cyber crime group, to a five-year prison sentence Continue Reading
-
News
08 Apr 2022
IT contractors warned as HMRC draws on ‘IR35-adjacent’ legislation in tax avoidance clampdown
IT contractors are being urged to take action now, as details emerge about how HM Revenue & Customs is drawing on some IR35-adjacent legislation to send out five-figure tax bills to individuals who engage with contractor-focused accountants Continue Reading
-
Opinion
07 Apr 2022
Online Safety Bill: Collaborating to make the internet safer for all
The UK government's plan to regulate the internet and social media includes some positive and progressive measures – but by working with industry, a lot more could be achieved Continue Reading
-
News
07 Apr 2022
Banks should be able to integrate e-krona into existing systems, says Swedish regulator
Swedish financial services regulator says banks and service providers should be able to integrate a potential digital currency into existing systems Continue Reading
-
News
06 Apr 2022
IR35 reforms: Private sector warned HMRC's 12-month 'light-touch' enforcement period is ending
HMRC confirmed, in the lead up to the IR35 reforms coming into force in the private sector in April 2021, that it would be taking a ‘light-touch’ approach to enforcing the rules for 12 months. And that grace period ends today Continue Reading
-
News
05 Apr 2022
Structured decentralisation is the key to unlocking Nordic-level innovation
Finnish tech entrepreneurs will be taking the stage at the World Economic Forum to tell the world about the role of trust in Finnish startup success Continue Reading
-
News
05 Apr 2022
Secrecy over police EncroChat hacking is unconstitutional, defence lawyers tell top French court
France’s constitutional court, the Conseil Constitutionnel, has heard arguments that the use of ‘defence secrecy’ to withhold information about police surveillance operations breaches the French constitution Continue Reading
-
News
05 Apr 2022
Discount retailer The Works hit by cyber attack
A small number of The Works’ bricks-and-mortar stores were forced to close amid a cyber attack of an undisclosed nature Continue Reading
-
News
05 Apr 2022
Saudi Arabian ICT sector hits $32.1bn after strong pandemic response
The Saudi Arabian IT and communications sector is recovering strongly from the Covid-19 pandemic Continue Reading
-
News
01 Apr 2022
Two teenagers charged with Lapsus$ cyber attacks
City of London Police have charged two teenagers in connection with the Lapsus$ cyber crime spree Continue Reading
-
News
31 Mar 2022
EU Act ‘must empower those affected by AI systems to take action’
Ada Lovelace Institute publishes recommendations on how European institutions can improve the Artificial Intelligence Act by establishing a ‘comprehensive remedies framework’ around those affected by the deployment of AI systems Continue Reading
-
News
30 Mar 2022
Lax money laundering controls lands N26 with ban from Italian central bank
German digital bank N26 has had problems with anti-money laundering regulations in the past, and is now banned in Italy Continue Reading
-
News
30 Mar 2022
One-third of UK firms suffer a cyber attack every week
New statistics from the annual DCMS Cyber security breaches survey reveal the extent and frequency with which UK organisations are being attacked by malicious actors Continue Reading
-
News
29 Mar 2022
Overhaul of UK police tech needed to prevent abuse
Lords inquiry finds UK police are deploying artificial intelligence and algorithmic technologies without a thorough examination of their efficacy or outcomes, and are essentially ‘making it up as they go along’ Continue Reading
-
News
29 Mar 2022
FCA reports 52% jump in security incidents
The Financial Conduct Authority received 116 cyber incident reports in 2021, a fifth of them involving ransomware Continue Reading
-
Opinion
29 Mar 2022
Spring Statement lays the foundation for a make-or-break Budget for business in the autumn
The tech sector has welcomed much of the chancellor’s latest financial plans, but says there is more to do if technology is to achieve its full potential for driving economic growth Continue Reading
-
News
28 Mar 2022
IT professionals wary of government campaign to limit end-to-end encryption
Members of the Chartered Institute of IT, the professional body for technology professionals in the UK, warn against limiting end-to-end encryption Continue Reading
-
News
25 Mar 2022
European Commission proposes new cyber security regulations
New cyber and information security regulations have been proposed by the European Commission to create a minimum set of standards in both areas Continue Reading
-
News
23 Mar 2022
UK government promises high-speed internet for all schools by 2025
Hot on the heels of announcing upgrades to UK mobile networks in hard-to-reach places, and as part of its latest plans to roll out gigabit broadband across the country, government turns connectivity focus on educational establishments Continue Reading
-
News
23 Mar 2022
Umbrella company Workwell refutes contractor’s ‘withheld holiday pay’ claim
A dispute between a contractor and their former umbrella company shines a light once more on the knotty issue of holiday pay Continue Reading
-
News
23 Mar 2022
Spring Statement: Chancellor expands R&D tax relief to cloud computing and storage
Rishi Sunak announces further measures intended to improve innnovation and tech-enabled productivity in UK businesses Continue Reading
-
News
22 Mar 2022
Competition watchdog contacts Barclays and Lloyds banks over API failures
Barclays and Lloyds banks have failed to meet some of the open banking rules, says competition watchdog Continue Reading