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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Opinion
31 Mar 2026
Banning routers won’t fix what’s already broken
America's foreign-made router ban sparked valid debate about supply chains, geopolitics and trust, but the truth is that the ban addresses tomorrow’s procurement decisions far more than today’s security exposure. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
31 Mar 2026
HMRC is watching you…
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we investigate how HM Revenue & Customs has been quietly building its surveillance capabilities to crack down on tax fraud. We find out how a new supercomputer is helping the UK Atomic Energy Authority research nuclear fusion. And we visit Estonia to learn why its healthtech startups are targeting the NHS. Read the issue now. 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
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News
02 Oct 2018
Filling the blockchain chasm
Blockchain as a term is becoming common language, but there is a long way to go before it will mean anything to the performance of most organisations Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Oct 2018
While Brexit rages on, the UK needs to be looking at the global picture
Talks at the World Trade Organisation in October will shape the future of digital trade, and it is crucial the voice of UK tech is heard Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2018
UK will unilaterally tax web giants, says Hammond
Chancellor threatens to go it alone on tax reform for digital services businesses if an international agreement cannot be reached Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2018
Facebook could face up to $1.6bn fine for data breach
Facebook is under increased pressure to demonstrate that users’ personal data is protected as it faces a potential fine of more than a billion dollars for a data breach affecting millions of users Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2018
Openreach completes largest Tupe transfer in history
More than 30,000 BT employees have transferred across to the quasi-independent Openreach, completing what is thought to be the largest one-off Tupe transfer in history Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
EU sees eIDAS regulation come into full force
A regulation aimed at cutting red tape to enable a digital single market in Europe will soon be in full force, but it could present some challenges to the UK after Brexit Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
Citizens Advice makes super-complaint over rip-off phone charges
Citizens Advice is calling for a fair deal for consumers that it claims are being ripped off by out-of-contract charges by communications services providers and the financial services industry Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2018
CIO interview: Fraser Ingram, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank
Fraser Ingram joined the Clydesdale and Yorkshire banking group as CIO just at the right time – as it was embarking on its digital journey Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2018
ICO threatens fines for outstanding fees
The UK’s privacy watchdog has issued warning letters to organisations, including some NHS trusts and government organisations, for failing to pay a new data protection fee Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2018
Rural business bodies seal new broadband agreement
The Country Land and Business Association and the National Farmers’ Union have reached an agreement with Openreach to put new wayleave arrangements in place for broadband network builds Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Sep 2018
Why the government should rethink the UK’s surveillance laws
The European Court of Human Rights has made clear that the Snoopers’ Charter is an unlawful violation of people’s rights and freedoms Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2018
MI5 admits to ‘unlawful’ spying on Privacy International
The UK's intelligence agencies acted unlawfully by intercepting communications data on NGO, Privacy International, the UK's most secret court ruled. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2018
Pharmacy2U signs up to digital communications platform
Online pharmacy aims to make it easier for people to contact them, using an omnichannel system from RingCentral allowing arrange of services, including voice, chat, text and email Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2018
Digital economy competition panel meets to discuss regulations
Experts on a new panel put together to review competition in the digital economy have met for the first time to discuss how to ensure the country has the right regulations in place Continue Reading
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E-Zine
19 Sep 2018
CW ANZ: Get to grips with DevOps
The burgeoning DevOps culture in Australia has attracted new market players and led major companies to embrace the movement to get development and operations teams working in unison. But organisations need to be wary of a range of traps while they try to instil a DevOps mindset. In this issue of CW ANZ, we take a look at how Australian organisations are embracing DevOps and the pitfalls they need to avoid. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2018
IT sector advises Swedish government on elections and voting system
Swedish IT secure is helping the government make election systems more secure and reduce external influence Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2018
EU needs clear 5G regulation to guarantee mobile success
The mobile ecosystem could be worth more than 4% of European GDP by 2022, if the right regulatory actions are taken by the European Union government Continue Reading
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Blog Post
18 Sep 2018
What does a fintech do when the most experienced coders don’t want to code?
What do you do when the coders you want would rather manage than code? Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2018
Danske Bank invests in anti-money laundering systems following Estonian problems
Danske bank improves its anti money laundering software, utilising artificial intelligence and machine learning Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2018
No Deal Brexit could mean changes for telecoms industry and mobile roaming
No Deal Brexit planning guidance documents say there could be changes to the UK electronic communications regulatory framework, and sets EU mobile roaming cap at £45 per month Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2018
GCHQ mass surveillance regime was in breach of human rights law, European court rules
The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has ruled that the UK’s collection of bulk interception of communications data lacked adequate oversight and safeguards and was in breach of human rights law Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2018
TechUK blasts European Parliament-backed revamp of EU-wide copyright laws
Tech industry trade body claims the changes spell bad news for web users, after European Parliament MEPs vote in favour of plans to modernise the copyright laws for the digital age Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Sep 2018
The UK can and must be a world leader in ethical regulation of the digital revolution
The digital revolution is challenging the regulatory environment across every westernised, developed economy. Governments in the EU, UK, France, Germany and the US are each trying to take a lead in ... Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2018
Tech Nation startup programme demonstrates richness of UK fintech
A Tech Nation programme to support the UK's financial technology startups demonstrates the increasingly diverse range of business-to-business products and services available through the country's fintech community Continue Reading