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
02 Sep 2024
Navigating the shifting sands of open source
As open source matures, the Cloud Native Computing Foundation is grappling with issues ranging from licence rug-pulling and the rise of artificial intelligence to the changing dynamics of open source contributions Continue Reading
-
Opinion
22 Jul 2024
Fundamental guardrails to address AI risk and value
Leveraging existing governance approaches and current success will make AI governance less daunting while supporting business goals Continue Reading
-
News
26 Jul 2022
Secret court asked to quash a decade of MI5 surveillance warrants following ‘systemic breaches’
The culture at MI5 was to ‘prioritise’ missions ‘over everything else’, including compliance with safeguards designed to protect the public, the UK’s most secret court heard yesterday Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
26 Jul 2022
Inside Russia’s Ukraine information operations
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we get the inside track on Russia’s disinformation operations attempting to spread propaganda and cyber threats about the invasion of Ukraine. Our new buyer’s guide looks at customer and employee experience management. And we assess 10 top Kubernetes backup suppliers. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Jul 2022
Home Office ‘unlawfully’ approved MI5 bulk surveillance warrants
MI5 provided ‘false information’ to the Home Office to secure bulk surveillance warrants, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal heard Continue Reading
-
News
25 Jul 2022
Umbrella IT contractors could get back-dated holiday pay windfall following Supreme Court ruling
Umbrella industry stakeholders weigh-up the financial implications of a Supreme Court ruling, which could pave the way for IT contractors to submit back-dated claims for holiday pay Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jul 2022
Forrester: European cloud adoption accelerates
The rise in public cloud usage across the UK and EU will speed up new cloud-specific regulations Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jul 2022
GCHQ experts back scanning of encrypted phone messages to fight child abuse
Ian Levy, technical director of the NCSC, and Crispin Robinson, technical director of GCHQ, back client-side scanning software on mobile phones to detect child abuse Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jul 2022
UK government introduces data reforms legislation to Parliament
Proposed changes to UK’s data protection regime include new grounds for data processing, significant powers for the secretary of state to direct the regime’s application, and fewer restrictions on law enforcement’s use of data Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jul 2022
Barnet Council to bring work outsourced to Capita back in-house by 2026
London borough is bringing swathes of outsourced services back in-house next year, with more to follow by 2026 Continue Reading
-
Definition
19 Jul 2022
Information Technology Amendment Act 2008 (IT Act 2008)
The Information Technology Amendment Act 2008 (IT Act 2008) is a substantial addition to India's Information Technology Act 2000. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jul 2022
MPs slam FCSA for declining to answer questions on umbrella companies withholding holiday pay
Freelance and Contractor Services Association under fire from MPs for declining to answer questions about the umbrella companies that make up its membership and their stance on ensuring contractors receive their holiday pay entitlements Continue Reading
-
News
18 Jul 2022
US cyber agency CISA to open London office
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has chosen London to host its first office outside America Continue Reading
-
News
18 Jul 2022
Government proposes pro-innovation AI framework
In contrast to the EU’s more centralised approach to artificial intelligence regulations, the UK government is giving regulators more freedom to adapt rules Continue Reading
-
News
18 Jul 2022
Data and tech platforms helping finance regulator spot problems earlier
The UK financial services regulator is increasingly using data platforms to proactively regulate the finance sector Continue Reading
-
News
15 Jul 2022
Drivers’ union calls for immediate dismissal of Uber executive
Uber’s continued employment of an executive directly involved in efforts to resist regulatory oversight puts the ride-hailing firm in breach of its 2018 licence conditions, says drivers’ union Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jul 2022
ICO wants to ‘empower people through information’
Information Commissioner’s Office sets out commitment to safeguard the information rights of the most vulnerable people in UK society Continue Reading
-
News
13 Jul 2022
ICO calls for review into government use of private email and WhatsApp messages
Information Commissioner’s Office reprimands Department of Health and Social Care after ministers and officials conducted government business on their own email accounts and messaging apps Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jul 2022
Brits say social media must do more to block harmful content
UK citizens want social media companies to do more to prevent harmful content appearing on their platforms Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jul 2022
Is time running out for legacy payments technology used by banks?
The company bringing Google-like processing to core banking for banks has added the same proposition in payments Continue Reading
-
News
11 Jul 2022
Oracle to open first sovereign cloud regions for EU-based users in 2023
Database software giant Oracle has set out plans to provide private enterprises and public sector organisations with access to sovereign cloud regions, with the first set to open in Spain and Germany next year Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jul 2022
Ofcom publishes Online Safety Roadmap
The roadmap sets out how the online harms regulator will approach implementing the UK’s online safety regime, and tells tech firms to start preparing for the new rules Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jul 2022
Stop telling clients to pay ransomware gangs, solicitors told
The NCSC and the ICO are calling on solicitors to help tackle the rising number of ransomware payments being made, and to stop giving erroneous advice to victims Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Jul 2022
Accountability in algorithmic injustice
Computer Weekly looks at the growing number of injustices involving algorithms and automated decision-making, and what can be done to hold governments and companies accountable for the failures of computer systems they deploy Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jul 2022
Sweden and GDPR – four years on
Swedish data protection coordinator talks to Computer Weekly four years into the General Data Protection Regulation Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jul 2022
MI5, FBI chiefs warn of Chinese cyber espionage threat
In a joint appearance in London, MI5 director general Ken McCallum and FBI director Chris Wray warn of the growing threat posed by the Chinese government to UK and US interests Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jul 2022
UK signs ‘in principle’ data adequacy agreement with South Korea
Bilateral adequacy agreement will allow businesses to conduct cross-border data transfers with minimal restrictions Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jul 2022
Legacy UK customs system stops accepting registration requests
HMRC closes new applications to legacy customs system as its shutdown nears Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jul 2022
Netherlands’ AMdEX seeks to democratise the internet
Last year, five Dutch organisations launched an initiative to set up the Amsterdam Data Exchange to simplify data sharing and help democratise the internet Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jul 2022
NCSC CEO: Why we should run towards crises to elevate cyber security
National Cyber Security Centre CEO Lindy Cameron, the 2022 Computer Weekly UKtech50 Most Influential Person in UK IT, reflects on a career immersed in crisis management, and how she is using this to elevate cyber security standards across the country Continue Reading
-
News
04 Jul 2022
MPs call for ban on Chinese surveillance camera technology
Nearly 70 MPs have called on the government to ban Chinese camera technology that is widely used by UK government agencies despite links to human rights abuses in China Continue Reading
-
News
04 Jul 2022
Government rejects Lords police tech inquiry recommendations
The government has largely rejected the findings and recommendations of a House of Lords inquiry into police tech, which called for an overhaul of how police deploy artificial intelligence and algorithmic technologies Continue Reading
-
Feature
04 Jul 2022
Cyber insurance: What does a CISO need to know?
We look at how the market for cyber insurance is evolving and how IT security chiefs can avoid buying the wrong level of cover Continue Reading
-
Opinion
01 Jul 2022
Security Think Tank: Now is the time to think about cyber insurance
Many IT leaders shy away from cyber insurance, but new, innovative developments in the market can help organisations take an approach that suits their needs Continue Reading
-
News
30 Jun 2022
ICO to cut back on fines for public sector data breaches
Information commissioner John Edwards sets out a revised approach to how the ICO handles data breaches in the public sector, saying fining victims risks punishing the public twice over Continue Reading
-
News
29 Jun 2022
Urgent need for new laws to govern biometrics, legal review finds
Independent review says new framework is needed to clear up legal and ethical concerns over the use of biometric data and technologies, which can impact privacy, freedom of expression and other human rights Continue Reading
-
News
29 Jun 2022
Spy agencies need ‘independent authorisation’ to access telecoms data, say judges
The High Court has ruled that UK intelligence agencies should seek independent authorisation before accessing phone and internet records during criminal investigations Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jun 2022
Proposed changes to copyright law open doors for AI data mining
Update to copyright law will mean researchers who already have access to data will not require extra permission from copyright owner to run data mining algorithms, removing barriers to artificial intelligence research and development Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jun 2022
Digital Poverty Alliance unveils evidence review
Evidence review into the state of digital poverty in the UK sets out policy principles and recommendations, which will be used as the basis for a national action plan to eliminate the issue 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