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 Nov 2024
ORG urges ICO to revise public sector enforcement approach
The Open Rights Group is urging the Information Commissioner’s Office to revise its light touch approach to public sector data protection issues, arguing that its experimental policy of limiting its enforcement actions to reprimands and notices, rather issuing fines, is allowing bad practices to continue largely unabated Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2024
Government issues strategic priorities for online safety regulator Ofcom
Technology secretary Peter Kyle sets out the government’s strategic priorities for how Ofcom should approach regulating online safety, including embedding safety by design and supporting innovation in technologies to help protect people online 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
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News
12 Sep 2018
FCA warns it cannot manage financial crime risks without sharing data with EU
FCA admits it will be unable to manage financial crime effectively if it cannot share data with EU authorities. Continue Reading
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News
10 Sep 2018
Government positive to Science and Technology Committee’s report on algorithms
The government has issued its overwhelmingly positive response to the Science and Technology Committee’s report on the use of algorithms in decision making, published earlier this year Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2018
BA praised for swift GDPR-aligned action on data breach
British Airways has been praised for its swift response to a customer data breach, which could be the first test case under the EU’s GDPR and new UK GDPR-aligned data protection laws Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2018
US and UK days away from European Parliament ultimatum to suspend data transfers to the US
Threat to Privacy Shield as the European Union and US approach a critical European Parliament deadline to suspend data transfers from the EU to the US Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2018
Improving security is top driver for ISO 27001
Organisations are implementing the ISO 27001 standard in recognition of the fact that cyber attacks are increasingly inevitable and that it is best to be well-prepared to fend off attacks and mitigate their effect Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2018
Challenge to anti-GDPR immigration exemption in DPA to go ahead
Two human rights groups are challenging a controversial clause in new UK data protection legislation that they say is in conflict with the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights and undermines the General Data Protection Regulation Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2018
Finland government to review public procurement laws
Finland's government is putting its procurement laws under the spotlight after a major IT fraud Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2018
Corbyn suggests tech tax to fund BBC
Labour leader says big technology companies and ISPs should contribute to a fund for public interest journalism Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2018
No Deal Brexit papers warn of stark future for UK tech
The government has published the first of its No Deal Brexit contingency planning notices, containing sobering messages for the UK technology industry Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2018
Nearly a third of organisations still not GDPR ready
As the UK and other states implement the EU’s GDPR, many organisations admit they are still not fully compliant, but most claim to be able to respond to data subject access requests Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Aug 2018
Better the data you know – how GDPR is affecting UK tech companies
As the dust settles from the General Data Protection Regulation, the implications for technology firms in the UK are becoming clearer Continue Reading
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News
21 Aug 2018
UK cryptocurrency exchange enlists Rackspace for Microsoft Azure cloud move
London Block Exchange taps up Rackspace to assist with two-month Microsoft Azure migration as it sets about shoring up its platform against demand spikes Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2018
Planned Australian law raises tech firms’ security concerns
A digital industry group representing some of the world’s largest tech firms is opposed to proposed Australian laws aimed at compelling them to help security agencies and police Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Aug 2018
National Archives races to create electronic archive of EU law before Brexit
The National Archives faces challenges converting the EU's enormous library of laws into a publicly accessible UK archive ahead of Brexit. The Archives’ digital director, John Sheridan, explains how Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2018
Trump sparks speculation after repealing cyber attack restraints
The US president has sparked speculation about US policy on launching cyber attacks by repealing Obama-era restraints, underlining the need for international rules on cyber warfare Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2018
IR35 tech compliance will take private sector 'over a year' to achieve, warns accounting trade body
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) cautions HM Revenue & Customs against rushing out IR35 reforms to the private sector, claiming it will take most businesses at least one tax year to ready their software systems for the move Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2018
Driverless cars heading for Bromley and Croydon
A 10-month data-gathering exercise will pave the way for an autonomous vehicle ride-sharing service to start operation in 2019 Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2018
ICO strengthens commitment to technology and innovation
Information Commissioner’s Office has demonstrated its commitment to technology and innovation by appointing a new executive director to focus on this area Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2018
Butlin’s warns of potential personal data breach
Holiday camp chain blames cyber breach on a phishing attack, implying that attackers were able to steal user credentials to access customer data – and underlining the need for security awareness training Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2018
Ex-HMRC tax inspector sounds alarm over suitability of IR35 online status checker tool
As the private sector consultation on IR35 draws to a close, a former HM Revenue & Customs inspector calls into further question the suitability of the government's online tool for assessing contractors’ tax status Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Aug 2018
CW Benelux: Netherlands to experiment with self-driving trains
In this issue, read how Dutch railway operator ProRail will test self-driving trains on a small set of railroad tracks to learn if they can be part of the country’s notoriously busy network. Also, find out how a network of smart towns and cities is growing in the Netherlands, and why Dutch organisations are being urged to unite to fight DDoS attacks. Continue Reading
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News
06 Aug 2018
Starling raises the fintech stakes with banking-as-a-service
Challenger bank enables companies outside the financial sector to offer their customers savings and current accounts via the bank’s APIs Continue Reading
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News
06 Aug 2018
Half of UK consumers to exercise GDPR rights within a year
More than half of UK consumers will exercise their General Data Protection Regulation rights within a year and almost two-thirds will retract or review data use because of the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, a study shows Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2018
Advertised broadband speeds dropping across UK
Since new advertising standards around broadband were introduced in May 2018, most providers have cut the speeds they advertise, or stopped making speed claims altogether Continue Reading
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News
02 Aug 2018
Government launches digital economy competition review
Obama’s former chief economic advisor will lead panel on competition in the digital economy to ensure regulations are fit for purpose Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Aug 2018
Security Think Tank: Risk tolerance key to security outsourcing policy
What critical security controls can be outsourced, and how do organisations – SMEs in particular – maintain confidence that they are being managed effectively and appropriately? Continue Reading
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News
31 Jul 2018
UK business overestimating level of consumer trust, study shows
UK consumer trust is low, with the majority of UK businesses admitting to selling customer data, a report reveals Continue Reading
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News
31 Jul 2018
Comms providers may be forced to notify out-of-contract users
Providers of landline, broadband, TV and mobile services will have to notify their customers when they approach the end of their minimum contract period under proposed new rules Continue Reading
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News
31 Jul 2018
Dixons Carphone ups data breach figure to 10 million
Dixons Carphone now believes the number of personal data records affected in 2017’s data breach is nearly 10 times greater than initially thought Continue Reading
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News
31 Jul 2018
Briton ran pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign that helped Trump deny Russian links
A British IT manager and former hacker from Darlington ran a disinformation campaign that duped former US intelligence agents and provided Donald Trump with manufactured “evidence” to deny that Russia interfered with the US election Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2018
Government to fund six connected vehicle simulation projects
The government has announced the winners of an R&D contest for connected vehicle simulation and modelling capabilities Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2018
Openreach doubles down on full-fibre broadband roll-out
In its first annual review since splitting from BT, Openreach has recommitted to its targets for full-fibre broadband Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2018
BT bounces back in strong first quarter
After a run of bad news, there were some bright spots in BT’s first quarter financial results Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Jul 2018
UK should worry if digital products become part of the global trade and tariff debate
Amid the global debate about trade tariffs, prompted by US president Donald Trump’s unorthodox economic policies, it’s little remarked that the digital economy is largely untouched by the ... Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2018
Facebook stock price falls on slowing growth forecast
Facebook’s stock price has fallen dramatically in response to a forecast of slower revenue growth in 2018 and lower-than-expected user growth for the second quarter Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2018
Vodafone sales tick down on new reporting rules
Quarterly sales at mobile operator Vodafone dipped thanks to the impact of new reporting standards and foreign exchange headwinds Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2018
Australian energy sector caught in security catch-22
With regulators unwilling to accept security investments that would lead to higher tariffs, there is a chance that Australia’s National Energy Market could face increased cyber risks Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2018
Ofcom proposes regulatory changes to support broadband investment
Following the recommendations of the government’s Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, regulator Ofcom has proposed a package of measures to better support investment in full-fibre broadband Continue Reading
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Opinion
24 Jul 2018
Intellectual property in an AI world
The controversial European Copyright Directive has gone back to the drawing board, but it raises important questions about the use of artificial intelligence in protecting individual rights Continue Reading
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Opinion
24 Jul 2018
What the ICO's Facebook fine teaches us
Legal expert Alexander Egerton considers whether the ICO’s planned £500,000 fine for Facebook is the precursor of a spate of increased fines across the board, or if it shows the ICO’s stance has not changed and will continue to target certain activities Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2018
GDPR drives down UK insider threat
The insider threat in European countries is falling post-General Data Protection Regulation, but continues to rise in the US, a study has revealed Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2018
NCSC report underlines cyber threat for legal firms
Legal firms are a top target for cyber attackers, the latest report from the National Cyber Security Centre shows, emphasising the need for comprehensive cyber defence capabilities Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2018
Uptick in UK privacy awareness, says ICO
The UK’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, reports increased public awareness of privacy and information rights issues Continue Reading