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.
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News
20 Jun 2025
UK data reforms become law
UK passes wide-ranging data protection reforms to ‘simplify’ organisations’ sharing and processing of data, but questions remain whether changes will be accepted by European Commission when renewing UK data adequacy Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Jun 2025
Beyond the AI hype: How data laws quietly handed power to government and Big Tech
The UK is at risk of becoming an ‘algorithm state’ as the government hands more power to Big Tech and reduces the rights of individuals Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Jan 2019
Facebook’s high-stakes privacy gamble goes to Dublin court
A high-wire gamble with billions in compensation at stake for European internet users – part of a complex case between Facebook and the Irish information commissioner – hides challenge to the unlawfulness of US state internet surveillance Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2019
UK financial services regulator to link top banker bonuses to IT performance
FCA head tells Commons Treasury committee: “We expect banks’ policies on variable remuneration to reflect operational resilience. They have to – if they don’t, we will act.” Continue Reading
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News
15 Jan 2019
Less than half of firms able to detect IoT breaches, study shows
UK firms have one of the lowest internet-of-things device breach detection capabilities in Europe, a study reveals Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2019
Right to be forgotten is not global, says EU court adviser
The right to be forgotten should apply only in the European Union, according to the chief adviser to the European Court of Justice Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2019
Enterprises are increasing the human workforce while deploying AI
Artificial intelligence is creating more jobs than it replaces, according to a study of businesses using the technology Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2019
BT faces tussle to keep EU contracts after Brexit
The European Union will likely re-evaluate its telecoms contracts with BT following Brexit, and cancelling them altogether is a real risk in a no-deal scenario, according to leaked documents Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2019
AWS ‘does not dominate’ cloud market, claims Amazon’s UK public policy chief
Amazon’s UK director of public policy, Lesley Smith, has told the House of Lords Communications Committee that Amazon is a “prevalent”, rather than “dominant” force in the cloud market Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2019
Data breaches affected more than a billion people in 2018
The personal information of more than a billion people was compromised in 2018 as companies holding the data failed to keep it safe Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2019
IT regulators and practitioners need common language
There needs to be greater understanding between lawmakers and technologists to ensure regulations do not have unintended consequences, says a US computer security researcher and bug bounty pioneer Continue Reading
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News
02 Jan 2019
Huawei aims to be more resilient in 2019 amid challenges
Huawei’s rotating chairman Guo Ping outlines the firm’s priorities to optimise its product portfolio, empower employees and build a more resilient business structure Continue Reading
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News
27 Dec 2018
Top 10 Middle East stories of 2018
Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 Middle East enterprise IT stories of 2018 Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2018
Marriott data breach losses could be over half a billion dollars
Direct losses related to a huge data breach at US hotel group could reach $600m Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2018
Top 10 financial services stories of 2018
Here are Computer Weekly's top 10 financial services stories of 2018 Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2018
CMA acts on super-complaint over broadband, mobile charges
The Competition and Markets Authority is to crack down on communications services providers who ‘penalise’ loyal customers over new ones Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2018
Lauri Love battles police for return of computers as NCA confirms live investigation
The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirms there is a live investigation into Lauri Love in the UK, as Love brings legal action against UK police for the return of seized computer equipment Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2018
Top 10 broadband stories of 2018
The networking industry swung firmly behind full-fibre broadband in 2018, with encouraging signs that the gold-standard of broadband service delivery technology is at long last taking off in the UK Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2018
Top 10 Benelux IT stories of 2018
From cyber security planning to smart city initiatives, here is a selection of articles about IT developments in the Benelux countries Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2018
Ofcom fires starting gun for new mobile spectrum auction
Mobile spectrum in the 700MHz and 3.6-3.8GHz bands will be put up for auction either late in 2019 or early in 2020 Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2018
Ofcom tells ISPs to be upfront about better broadband deals
Telecoms regulator is rolling out a range of measures to make the broadband market serve the interests of consumers better Continue Reading
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News
13 Dec 2018
ICO and government help UK businesses prepare for no-deal Brexit
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the government are providing guidance for UK businesses, particularly SMEs, on how to prepare for a possible no-deal Brexit Continue Reading
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News
13 Dec 2018
Sberbank partners US accelerator for startup programme
Russian state-run bank links up with San Francisco-based accelerator 500 Startups to provide expert advice to startups in a variety of tech fields Continue Reading
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News
13 Dec 2018
UK trade sector risks GDPR fines over poor data disposal
UK businesses in the trade sector are risking GDPR fines for failing to wipe data from old IT equipment, a survey shows Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Dec 2018
Feudal Lords and anarchic allies – the new models for software collaboration
Software developers often take an unconventional view of contracts for the work they undertake, which can come back and bite them Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2018
Slow action on broadband and 5G risks UK’s economic future, CBI warns
A report from the CBI has called for the government to fast-track legislation to guarantee access to ultrafast network services Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2018
Hybrid cloud in Australian government removes supplier lock-in
Australian public sector could take the hybrid approach to cloud computing as government’s digital transformation strategy moves ahead Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2018
BT and KCOM named broadband USO suppliers
Ofcom has named BT, and in East Yorkshire, KCOM, as the designated providers for the incoming broadband universal service obligation Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2018
China demands release of arrested Huawei CFO
The Chinese government has called for the release of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, who was detained in Canada at the weekend Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2018
Brexit implications for data protection
Leaving the European Union will have serious implications for data protection in the UK unless adequate steps are taken, so businesses are advised to have contingency plans in place Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Dec 2018
The future of network-connected device security
The proliferation of poorly secured network-connected devices has prompted the UK government to publish new best practice guidelines. Do these go far enough? Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2018
Zopa gains banking licence and prepares launch
Peer-to-peer lending pioneer Zopa is turning its attention to retail banking in the UK, with plans to offer savings, credit and money management products Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Dec 2018
Brexit and digital identity – avoiding future restrictions on digital trade
The UK has been a major contributor to European efforts to establish cross-border digital identities. Governments need to ensure that Brexit does not introduce unwanted restrictions that harm digital trade Continue Reading
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News
29 Nov 2018
Danish government launches wide-ranging digital services project
Denmark's government has launched an ambitious project to digitise and automate public services Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2018
FCA deeply concerned as no end in sight for IT failures in banking
The FCA has reported a massive increase in the number of banking IT failures in the UK and admitted there is no end in sight Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2018
Businesses failing to win consumer trust
Businesses are still largely failing to win the trust of consumers to keep their personal data safe as data breaches continue to make headlines Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2018
ICO fines Uber £385,000 for data protection failings
Like Facebook, Uber has escaped a potentially much higher fine for data protection failings because the 2016 breach that affected millions of UK customers is not covered by the GDPR Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Nov 2018
An IR35 survival guide for employers and contractors
Forthcoming changes to IR35 regulations will affect most private sector companies using IT contractors – so what do you need to do to prepare? Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2018
Interview: Roger Taylor, chair, Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation
Chair of the new Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation says collaboration is vital for developing effective frameworks to manage the proliferation of AI and data-driven technologies Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Nov 2018
IT community needs to counter concerns behind 'big tech' backlash
Sometimes reporting the latest tech news at Computer Weekly throws up an entertaining juxtaposition. Take these two headlines, for example, from last week: TechUK calls on Matt Hancock to ... Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Nov 2018
IBM pushes boundaries of AI, but insists companies take an ethical approach
Researchers at IBM are pushing the boundaries of what artificial intelligence and machine learning can do, but remain wary of the ethical implications that accompany the proliferation of this technology Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2018
Police challenged over refusal to disclose files on WikiLeaks staff
Lawyers will challenge the Metropolitan Police Service today to confirm or deny whether it holds correspondence with US law enforcement about three WikiLeaks staff – including two UK citizens – in a freedom of information tribunal Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
Tech sector split over Brexit deal
The draft EU Withdrawal Agreement has caused rifts in the tech sector, with some calling for a People’s Vote with the option to remain in the EU, and others wanting MPs to back the agreement, saying it’s better than a no-deal scenario Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
EE and Virgin Media fined for breaking consumer protection rules
Ofcom has imposed fines totalling £13.3m on EE and Virgin Media, saying both providers levied excessive charges on customers who ended their contracts early Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
Many firms still stuck in GDPR prep phase six months after its initiation
Six months after the GDPR compliance deadline, many companies are struggling to make data protection principles part of everyday business, says PwC’s GDPR and data protection lead Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2018
Keep people at the centre of risk management, says consultant
In assessing the cyber risks to a business, security professionals should start with the people in an organisation and keep them at the centre in identifying and mitigating risk, says consultant Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2018
Members of Parliament should back EU Withdrawal Agreement, says industry
Industry experts say the government’s EU Withdrawal Agreement is far from perfect and still requires more clarity, but call on MPs to back it, as it’s better than a No-Deal Brexit Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2018
Defra still to test six ‘critical’ IT systems before Brexit
MPs have raised concerns around Defra’s Brexit readiness as it hasn’t yet begun testing six critical IT systems needed to replace EU systems, but the department remains confident Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2018
Challenger bank ready to get its banking licence back
CivilisedBank is reapplying for a banking licence after giving it up to focus on its technology Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2018
Home Office to use smartphone ID for EU Exit scheme
The Home Office will use smartphone digital identity verification to support applications for the government’s EU Exit Settlement Scheme Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2018
Government considering dedicated internet regulator, says digital minister
An upcoming white paper is likely to set out proposals for an internet regulator, a House of Lords committee has been told Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2018
Firms lack responsible exec for cyber security
Narrow gap between CEO, CIO and CISO roles means no single executive function is stepping up to take responsibility for cyber security, a study shows Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2018
NHS issues guidance for instant messaging use in acute settings
As NHS staff are increasingly turning to messaging apps to communicate with each other, the government issues guidance saying only tools meeting the NHS encryption standard should be used Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Nov 2018
GCHQ offers help to embryonic Irish cyber security organisation
Ciaran Martin head of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, builds bridges with the Republic of Ireland's intelligence community during an official visit to Dublin Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Nov 2018
Dynamic pricing online should not be regulated as anti-competitive
Competition authorities are examining online retailers' use of dynamic pricing to see if it's fair to consumers – but the principle of regulating such activity is economically wrong Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2018
Self-driving cars may have to break law, says Law Commission
Self-driving cars may have to break the rules of the road to operate safely, and the Law Commissions of England, Wales and Scotland are embarking on a consultation to seek input on how to manage this Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2018
GDPR a challenge to AI black boxes
Most artificial intelligence “black boxes” do not comply with EU data protection laws and will have to be re-engineered, warns security researcher and consultant Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2018
Increasing value of personal data a 21st century challenge
The increasing value of personal data presents the challenge of managing a personal data economy, says identity and security expert Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2018
5G mobile masts bring installation challenges, EE finds
EE has switched on a fixed wireless access network in central London to test elements of its future 5G mobile service, but faced some challenges setting it up Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2018
Information commissioner calls for stricter regulation on political use of data
Information commissioner Elizabeth Denham’s investigation into the use of data in elections and campaigns, finds "a disturbing disregard for voters’ personal privacy" Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Nov 2018
Making the UK the safest place to live and work online
Government, industry and individuals all have to play their part in enhancing cyber security practices Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2018
GSMA urges fresh action on 5G mobile spectrum
Mobile industry body says time is running out to ready enough radio frequency spectrum in the appropriate bands to account for the demands of 5G mobile networks Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2018
TalkTalk makes ‘fair broadband’ promises
TalkTalk has launched its own Fairer Broadband Charter as research reveals widespread dissatisfaction with some common industry practices Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2018
Banking sector leading CIAM innovation, say Big Four
Maturity in consumer identity and access management (CIAM) differs from sector to sector, with the banking sector taking the lead in terms of innovation, according to the Big Four accounting firms Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
Ofcom has another go at liberalising duct and pole access
Telecoms regulator is making a new attempt to establish better access to BT’s duct and pole infrastructure for communication services providers Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
Radisson hotel group could be GDPR test case
Privacy watchers say the breach of personal data of members of the Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty scheme could be an interesting test case for how the GDPR will be applied Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2018
GDPR driving data protection maturity
The EU data protection laws are helping to drive data protection maturity internationally, but five months after enforcement many companies are still playing catch-up, says consultant Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Oct 2018
Digital services tax weakens the case for tech startups to choose the UK
The UK government’s plan for a tax specifically targeting big digital firms risks undermining international efforts to reform corporate taxation for the digital age Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2018
Ofcom releases BT from 2005 Openreach undertakings
Following the legal split of the two organisations, telecoms regulator Ofcom has formally ‘released’ BT from the 2005 undertakings set up to manage the Openreach infrastructure business Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2018
Budget 2018: No great leap forward for broadband, but no need to panic
The chancellor set aside £1.6bn for digital technology in the Budget, but broadband services did not draw much attention. Is this a surprise, or a reflection of growing commercial investment in full-fibre, and what should the role of government be? Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2018
UK government taskforce commits to distributed ledger technologies
Report says distributed ledger technology “has the potential to deliver significant benefits in financial services and other sectors in the future” Continue Reading
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E-Zine
30 Oct 2018
Power struggle: A row is brewing over EU plans to curb datacentre energy use
In this week’s Computer Weekly, a row is brewing over an EU plan to curb datacentre energy use, and the leading server suppliers are not happy - we analyse the details. Secretary of state for health and social care Matt Hancock talks exclusively to us about his new technology vision for the NHS. And we examine the growing popularity of short-term “gig” employment for IT professionals. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2018
Hammond’s digital services tax is a big risk, say experts
The tech industry is not impressed with the chancellor’s plan to tax web giants, saying it can stifle innovation, while tax lawyers warn that it is a very risky move that could lead to US retaliation Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2018
Government consults on full-fibre for tenants, new-build homes
Proposed legislation would compel landlords and property developers to offer full-fibre broadband to tenants and customers Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Oct 2018
Will the EU Copyright Directive ‘break the internet’?
A new European Union law proposed for copyrighted material has provoked strong reactions from all sides – but what does it mean? Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2018
British Airways data breach worse than thought
British Airways has admitted that up to 185,000 more people than first thought may have had personal details compromised in August’s data breach Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2018
MEPs call for action in wake of Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal
European members of parliament demand action to protect citizens’ privacy from abuses such as those uncovered in the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data sharing scandal Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2018
ICO issues maximum £500,000 fine to Facebook
The UK privacy watchdog has confirmed that Facebook has escaped a fine of more than $1bn under the GDPR, but will face the maximum under the DPA for failing to protect users’ personal information Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2018
Cathay Pacific under fire over breach affecting 9.4 million passengers
Hong Kong-based airline reveals massive data breach of the most sensitive personal data of passengers five months after loss was confirmed Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2018
Government can’t guarantee no-deal Brexit data-sharing agreement
Digital minister Margot James says there is no clear timetable on when the UK will secure a data adequacy decision from the EU, and cannot guarantee an agreement will be in place in the event of a no-deal Brexit Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2018
CIOs and the cloud: The future of European enterprise software
European organisations are moving to the cloud rapidly, but trepidation remains in concerning certain aspects, such as security Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2018
Government to invest £8m in Brexit customs training and automation
The Treasury and HMRC are putting measures in place to support the customs sector should the UK leave the EU with no deal, including funding to increase automation and training Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2018
Morrisons loses appeal against data breach liability ruling
Supermarket chain has lost its appeal against a High Court ruling that found it liable for a data leak by a former employee, underlining the importance of managing insider threats Continue Reading
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News
22 Oct 2018
Cab firm to map 250,000 miles of London roads for CAVs
Cab operator Addison Lee has teamed up with CAV software specialist Oxbotica to start preparing the streets of London for self-driving cars Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2018
Industry and government must collaborate to drive the digital economy, says techUK CEO
Industry and government must work together to grow use of technology across the UK economy, according to techUK CEO Julian David Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2018
No new funding for Hancock’s NHS tech vision
Getting the technology plan right is more about standards than money, says health and social care secretary Matt Hancock, as he explains why NHS organisations won’t be given additional funding to deliver on his vision Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2018
NHS standards framework aims to set the bar for quality and efficiency
NHS Digital’s standards framework sets out renewed commitment to implement and use open standards across the NHS Continue Reading
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News
17 Oct 2018
Hancock sets out NHS tech vision
Government will mandate national open standards for the NHS and tech suppliers, build a health and caretech ecosystem and give local NHS organisations more flexibility in how and what tech they buy Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2018
Commuter trains may need over 3Gbps of mobile data capacity by 2025
Ofcom has set out its vision of what will need to be done to meet the government’s goals around data connectivity on the UK’s rail network Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2018
UK faces 10 cyber attacks a week as hostile states step up hacking, says NCSC
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has thwarted more than 1,600 attacks over the past two years – many by hostile nation states Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2018
Tech companies should not be under legal duty to remove terrorist material, says watchdog
The internet should not be a safe place for terrorists, but making it compulsory for technology companies to trawl for radical content risks interfering with the rights of innocent people, says Max Hill QC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2018
Good data governance is good business
Organisations are failing to understand the importance of getting their data relationship with customers right and seeing the business opportunities that it enables, an industry analyst warns Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2018
Apple challenges Australia’s proposed decryption law
Tech giant Apple argued that the lack of judicial oversight could reduce customer trust and security, among other reservations over Australia’s draft decryption legislation Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2018
Watchdog calls for clarity on Schedule 7 terrorism powers
The Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation has called for greater clarity over police Schedule 7 powers to seize mobile phones and computers and question people without grounds for suspicion at ports and airports Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2018
Robots in the workplace supported by 81% of business chiefs
Robotic process automation continues to be taken up by more organisations – but despite proven benefits, those that already use it are struggling to scale it up Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2018
High Court blocks Google iPhone privacy lawsuit
The UK High Court has thrown out a group action lawsuit against Google for tracking iPhone browsing data, but campaign group Google You Owe Us, which brought the litigation, will appeal the decision Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Oct 2018
Customers need to be at the centre of GDPR plans
Responding to a breach is not just about data, it is about taking care of, and protecting, customers Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2018
Geospatial Commission pumps £5m into unlocking value of location data
Commission wants to unlock the value of location data held by its partners through the use of emerging technologies Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2018
GDPR case work swamps Denmark’s data protection agency
The agency investigating alleged breaches of GDPR in Denmark is recruiting additional resources to cope with the increase in work Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2018
Business secretary awards regulators £10m to drive innovation
Regulators will be given funding to drive innovation and strengthen regulations in areas such as automation, data and artificial intelligence Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Oct 2018
The risks of regulating artificial intelligence algorithms
For AI to improve our lives, it needs to reflect the real world, but regulating algorithms to be how we would like them to be risks introducing an unreality that makes them ineffective Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Oct 2018
Everyone, everywhere is responsible for IIoT cyber security
Cyber security in the industrial internet of things is not limited to a single company, industry or region – it is an international threat to public safety, and can only be addressed through collaboration that extends beyond borders and competitive interests Continue Reading