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
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
-
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
-
News
25 Apr 2018
One month to GDPR compliance deadline
With one month to go before the deadline for compliance with EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, organisations should ensure they are able to meet minimum requirements to defend against adverse scrutiny Continue Reading
-
Podcast
24 Apr 2018
Podcast: RSA abuzz over data orchestration and blockchain
At RSA 2018 in San Francisco, blockchain and cloud/data orchestration were big topics. In this podcast, Mathieu Gorge, CEO of Vigitrust, talks us through the key areas discussed at the event Continue Reading
-
News
23 Apr 2018
The dawn of open banking in Australia
Financial services firms will need to embrace DevOps and modernise their IT infrastructure to compete with more nimble fintech companies in an open banking regime Continue Reading
-
Feature
20 Apr 2018
Data protection is critical for all businesses
Companies that misuse data or fall victim to breaches not only risk financial loss, but also reputational damage. There are many reasons good data practice is essential Continue Reading
-
Feature
20 Apr 2018
Business needs to keep up with Investigatory Powers Act
All indications are that the obligations on communication service providers under the controversial Investigatory Powers Act will change, and affected companies must ensure they are constantly up to date Continue Reading
-
News
20 Apr 2018
Data protection is a business issue, says IAPP
Data privacy is a rapidly maturing profession as organisations around the world increasingly see data protection as a business issue, according to an industry association Continue Reading
-
News
19 Apr 2018
UK surveillance laws a potential ‘sticking point’ post-Brexit
The UK’s controversial Investigatory Powers Act could be an impediment to achieving an adequacy agreement for free data exchanges with the EU post-Brexit, says privacy lawyer Continue Reading
-
Opinion
19 Apr 2018
Blockchain: Paving the way for broad adoption
The foundations have been laid for organisations to begin standardising on the technology, talent and platforms that will drive future blockchain initiatives Continue Reading
-
News
18 Apr 2018
Good time to be in data protection, says information commissioner
There has never been a better time to be in data protection, Elizabeth Denham has told an IAPP data protection conference in London, addressing some key questions about the changing data protection regulatory landscape Continue Reading
-
Opinion
18 Apr 2018
Protecting your intellectual property in a digital world
Your business is creating innovative computer code, slick user interfaces, and is using digital technology to solve new problems. How do you protect your investment? Continue Reading
-
News
17 Apr 2018
Judge in Max Schrems v Facebook action raises red flag on EU-US data transfers
The Irish High Court (Commercial Division) has once again cast a long shadow, with a very short deadline, over the arrangements for the safe and legal transfer of data between the EU and the US Continue Reading
-
News
17 Apr 2018
Why AI skills, broadband and machine liability must be addressed
The House of Lords select committee on artificial intelligence has urged the government to adapt policies to bolster AI and protect the public Continue Reading
-
News
13 Apr 2018
EU-US data sharing under threat as Irish court refers Facebook case to Europe
The Irish High Court is seeking answers from the European Court of Justice in a case that could have huge implications for EU-US data sharing and raises questions about US government surveillance of EU citizens. The move could bring a five-year legal battle between Austrian lawyer Max Schrems and Facebook to a close Continue Reading
-
News
13 Apr 2018
UK playing central role in Facebook data misuse probe
Data protection is a hot issue and all about increasing confidence in the way data is handled, says UK privacy watchdog Continue Reading
-
Opinion
12 Apr 2018
Lauri Love escaped extradition to the US - what does that mean for future cases?
The US lost its attempt to extradite Lauri Love to face hacking charges in a landmark case. What will it mean for other UK citizens facing extradition? Continue Reading
-
News
10 Apr 2018
European CIOs have budget balancing act ahead of them
There is some consensus among European CIOs on budget rises across the continent, but less so on what to invest in Continue Reading
-
Podcast
10 Apr 2018
Podcast: Storage compliance for GDPR data subject requests
The General Data Protection Regulation is upon us. Mathieu Gorge, CEO of Vigitrust, talks you through the key areas needed for compliance in storage of data subjects’ data and how to find it quickly on request Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
10 Apr 2018
Technology is a lifesaver for NHS Blood and Transplant
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to the CDO of the NHS’s blood and transplant agency about how digital transformation is proving to be a real lifesaver. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the state of public cloud. And we find out how Ireland is expecting a Brexit dividend to boost its tech sector when the UK leaves the EU. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Apr 2018
Cyber threat to UK business greater than ever, report reveals
The cyber threat to UK business is “bigger than ever” and the best way to defend against it is collaboration between government, law enforcement and business, a report shows Continue Reading
-
Opinion
09 Apr 2018
Who do you trust to censor social media?
Calls to censor Facebook and its rivals are growing – but society needs to consider carefully the motivations of those making such demands Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
09 Apr 2018
Fintech professional’s tech predictions: 4 – Social media regulation
Social media platforms will face increasingly stringent regulations which might limit their scope as governments clamp down on data abuse Continue Reading
-
News
09 Apr 2018
Facebook data scandal a game changer, says ICO
Facebook’s controversial data sharing with London-based data mining firm Cambridge Analytica is a game changer, according to the UK’s privacy watchdog Continue Reading
-
News
09 Apr 2018
Dubai's gamble on bitcoin property sales
Dubai is pioneering the use of bitcoin in the real world, with the property sector leading the way Continue Reading
-
News
06 Apr 2018
Business increases use of encryption in the cloud
The use of encryption has seen double-digit growth in the past year due to a number of security-related drivers, a study has revealed Continue Reading
-
News
06 Apr 2018
UK challenger bank gives up banking licence to focus on fintech
CivilisedBank plans to serve small and medium-sized enterprises with savings and investment products Continue Reading
-
News
06 Apr 2018
HSBC IT whistleblower faces extradition to Switzerland
Hervé Falciani, who stole data from thousands of private banking customers, is apprehended in Spain following the issuing of an international arrest warrant Continue Reading
-
News
06 Apr 2018
Facebook among 30 organisations under investigation by the ICO
Facebook is among 30 organisations under investigation by the UK’s privacy watchdog for misusing personal data for political and other purposes Continue Reading
-
News
05 Apr 2018
5G mobile spectrum auction raises £1.3bn
The principal bidding stage in Ofcom’s latest mobile network spectrum auction has concluded, raising more than £1bn for the Treasury Continue Reading
-
News
05 Apr 2018
Interview: GDPR will give Dutch privacy watchdog its teeth
The Netherlands’ privacy watchdog has not handed out fines so far because there has been no reason to, says the organisation’s chairman, Aleid Wolfsen Continue Reading
-
News
04 Apr 2018
Average attacker dwell time nearly six months for EMEA, study shows
Firms in Europe, the Middle East and Africa take nearly six months to detect cyber attacks on average, a report reveals Continue Reading
-
News
03 Apr 2018
Future of internet regulation is focus of Lords inquiry
Inquiry will seek evidence on whether or not the law is up to the job of regulating online platforms such as Facebook, and what improvements can be made Continue Reading
-
News
28 Mar 2018
Consumer group calls for Zuckerberg to step down after data misuse
A social media firm's value is in the size of the network of users it can offer advertisers. But this model is now under the spotlight Continue Reading
-
News
28 Mar 2018
Home Office issues guidance on tech to prevent identity fraud
Advice highlights the benefits of using identity document validation to audit and share data on fraudulent documents Continue Reading
-
News
28 Mar 2018
AWS ups ante on cloud services for Australian government
Cloud supplier AWS says government agencies can now assess the prospect of running protected workloads, following an independent cloud security assessment Continue Reading
-
News
27 Mar 2018
Most top UK firms fail to disclose cyber risk testing details
Most of the largest UK companies do not reveal their testing of cyber protection plans and do not share security updates with the board regularly, a Deloitte report reveals Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
27 Mar 2018
The desktop is changing
In this week's Computer Weekly, corporate PCs haven't changed much in 20 years – as use of Chrome OS grows, we ask if IT leaders are ready for a new approach. Theresa May said Brexit means the UK leaving the EU digital single market – does this mean a return to roaming charges? And we look at the latest developments in Linux. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Mar 2018
Apple CEO calls for better privacy regulations
Apple’s CEO is calling for better data privacy regulations as Elon Musk joins Brian Acton in supporting the #DeleteFacebook campaign Continue Reading
-
News
23 Mar 2018
Facebook braces for new regulation for Cambridge Analytica deal
Facebook's COO has joined the social network’s CEO in apologising for betraying users’ trust by giving Cambridge Analytica unfettered access to personal data, saying the firm will work with regulators Continue Reading
-
News
23 Mar 2018
Telefonica cuts HR running costs by 40% as it replaces hundreds of ageing IT systems
Multinational telecoms group Telefonica is on the verge of completing a project to replace 175 incompatible HR IT systems with a cloud service covering more than 40 countries Continue Reading
-
News
23 Mar 2018
Private sector over-investing against nation-state attacks
The creator of a routing technique that protects the domain name system says the money spent on guarding against nation-state actors could have been better used for other purposes Continue Reading
-
News
22 Mar 2018
Privacy group calls for UK response to data exploitation
Policy-makers need to respond swiftly to the Cambridge Analytica and Facebook data exploitation scandal, according to privacy rights group Continue Reading
-
News
22 Mar 2018
What would coders do in ethical grey areas?
Software developers are writing code that affects the lives of millions of people and how businesses are run, but what do coders think about some of the ethical questions they face? Continue Reading
-
News
21 Mar 2018
WhatsApp co-founder calls time on Facebook
Brian Acton has called time on Facebook following reports of the firm’s dealings with data mining firm Cambridge Analytica linked to the EU referendum and Donald Trump’s US election campaign Continue Reading
-
News
20 Mar 2018
Ofcom opens 5G spectrum auction
Ofcom has opened the bidding in the auction of spectrum to support 4G and 5G mobile networks Continue Reading
-
News
19 Mar 2018
Australia pilots visa scheme to ease talent crunch
The Global Talent Scheme follows the government’s move to scrap the 457 visa, but industry watchers say smaller companies will struggle to meet its salary threshold Continue Reading
-
News
19 Mar 2018
Wigan data breaches underline need to share threat intelligence
Ongoing data breaches experienced by local authorities underline the need for greater sharing of threat intelligence, say security experts Continue Reading
-
News
16 Mar 2018
IT contractors not a risk despite Snowden leaks, GCHQ tells court
The government argues in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal that contractors with systems administration rights to computers holding GCHQ’s most sensitive intelligence pose no more of a security risk than the agency’s employees Continue Reading
-
News
16 Mar 2018
Defence industry urges government to relax controls on crypto exports
Trade body representing defence, aerospace and security companies calls on government to make it easier to export “non-contentious” cryptography to secure organisations against cyber crime Continue Reading
-
News
15 Mar 2018
Coders feel responsible for impact of artificial intelligence on society
The technologists building artificial intelligence algorithms should take responsibility for the technology’s impact on society, a survey finds Continue Reading
-
News
14 Mar 2018
WhatsApp to suspend data sharing with Facebook
WhatsApp has agreed to stop sharing personal data with Facebook until data protection concerns are addressed Continue Reading
-
News
13 Mar 2018
Government ‘unlawfully delegated’ bulk data powers to GCHQ, court hears
Privacy International urges Britain’s most secret court, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, to rule that the government illegally collected surveillance data from internet and phone companies until at least September 2017 Continue Reading
-
News
13 Mar 2018
Public sector organisations ill-prepared for GDPR
Public sector organisations in the UK need to do much more to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation rule on providing information to citizens about details held about them Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
13 Mar 2018
Unlocking digital change in criminal justice
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to the IT and digital chief at the Ministry of Justice to hear about tackling the challenges of digital transformation across the criminal justice system. European cities are trying to attract British IT talent as a result of Brexit – what does it mean for UK IT? And we take an in-depth look at the fintech sector in our latest buyer’s guide. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Mar 2018
Eight new cyber threats a second in Q4 2017, McAfee report reveals
There was an increase in cyber attacks on healthcare organisations, the use of fileless malware and cryptocurrency mining in the last three months of 2017, with eight new threats a second Continue Reading
-
News
12 Mar 2018
Regulator takes tougher line than expected on surveillance warrants
The Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office has signalled to government that it will take a tough line when scrutinising surveillance warrants under the controversial Investigatory Powers Act Continue Reading
-
News
09 Mar 2018
UK government criticised over lack of GDPR explanation
Most IT decision makers in the UK are critical of the government for failing to educate organisations about the GDPR and its implications, and few have a clear understanding of it, a survey shows Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
08 Mar 2018
CW Europe: Germany’s Lemoncat takes catering to the cloud
Business catering startup Lemoncat has taken advantage of the affordable cost of living in Berlin and is shaking up the catering sector by harnessing the Amazon and Salesforce clouds. Also in this issue, read how Moscow’s government is taking advantage of high penetration of broadband and mobile internet to expand innovative services under the Russian capital’s smart city programme, and how organisations in the Netherlands still have much to do to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Mar 2018
Ofcom probes Three and Vodafone over suspected net neutrality breaches
Telecoms regulator launches investigation into whether or not mobile operators Three and Vodafone are flouting European rules on net neutrality Continue Reading
-
News
07 Mar 2018
Cyber security is a team sport, says NCSC
The UK’s national cyber security agency aims to help organisations understand the need to act collaboratively and collectively against the cyber threat, urging them to raise the bar Continue Reading
-
News
07 Mar 2018
Developed APAC countries well-poised for the cloud
With strong policies in data protection and cyber security, Japan, Australia and Singapore are among countries that are most prepared to reap the benefits of the cloud Continue Reading
-
News
06 Mar 2018
Most Britons concerned about personal data sharing
Most UK consumers are concerned about personal data they have shared online, but few know the extent of that data or their rights, a survey shows, indicating a need for education and transparency Continue Reading
-
News
02 Mar 2018
UK will need data protection agreement with EU as part of Brexit deal, says PM
Prime minister Theresa May's Brexit speech highlights need for data protection deal with EU, “advanced” border IT systems, and re-confirms UK won’t be part of the EU digital single market Continue Reading
-
News
02 Mar 2018
Bank of England chief calls for cryptocurrency regulation
Bank of England governor calls on cryptocurrencies to be regulated to protect financial system and reduce illicit activities Continue Reading
-
News
02 Mar 2018
Vast majority of consumers unaware of Open Banking consequences, research finds
Research shows most consumers have little or no knowledge of the Open Banking regulation and how it will affect them Continue Reading
-
News
02 Mar 2018
New privacy fears as IT challenges delay surveillance oversight body by a year
IT challenges have delayed government plans for an independent body to authorise requests to access the public’s internet and phone records by nearly a year, raising new legal and privacy concerns Continue Reading
-
News
01 Mar 2018
ICO head tops DataIQ data leader list
The UK’s information commissioner has been named at the top data leader for 2018 in the DataIQ 100 list of most influential data leaders Continue Reading
-
News
01 Mar 2018
Security fears delay roll-out of national e-voting system in Finland
Project enters problem-solving phase to identify advanced, effective and best practice solutions to develop a secure internet-based voting system Continue Reading
-
News
28 Feb 2018
Affiliate marketing industry failing on privacy compliance
The affiliate marketing industry needs to clean up its act in terms of privacy law compliance, a review of more than 900 websites has revealed Continue Reading
-
Opinion
28 Feb 2018
Taxing tech giants on revenue only ends up with us customers paying more
EU proposals to tax internet companies based on sales in each country fail to apply the tax burden on the right people Continue Reading
-
News
28 Feb 2018
Government must rewrite illegal sections of Snoopers’ Charter, court told
A court has been asked to give ministers until July 2018 to rewrite powers to require phone and internet companies to retain data on the population. The government acknowledges parts of surveillance regime are unlawful Continue Reading
-
News
28 Feb 2018
AI must develop for the greater good and cut government admin
A group of experts explored the issues of UK policy and funding in artificial intelligence at a recent seminar in London. We report on the discussion Continue Reading
-
News
27 Feb 2018
GDPR will have positive ripple effect, says US consumer group
New EU data protection laws will have a positive ripple effect around the world, according to a US consumer group Continue Reading
-
News
26 Feb 2018
London councils set aside more than £1.2m for GDPR
London councils have spent over £1.2m in preparation for new EU data protection laws, a think tank report has revealed Continue Reading
-
News
26 Feb 2018
Surveillance watchdog investigates security risks of GCHQ IT contractors
The investigatory powers commissioner is reviewing the security arrangements for IT contractors that have access to live computer systems at GCHQ holding highly sensitive records on the UK population Continue Reading
-
News
26 Feb 2018
Most UK small firms still not prepared for GDPR, FSB survey shows
Most small businesses are not prepared for new data regulations, according to research by the Federation of Small Businesses Continue Reading
-
News
23 Feb 2018
GDPR is having positive impact on privacy profession, says IAPP
The EU’s new data protection rules are driving greater interest in the privacy profession, and provide an opportunity to develop new business plans, says privacy association Continue Reading
-
News
23 Feb 2018
Public education important in new data protection era, says ICO
UK information commissioner Elizabeth Denham tells Data Protection 2018 event of the tough requirements ahead in a new age of data regulation Continue Reading
-
News
22 Feb 2018
MPs run the rule over digital currency to identify risks and opportunities
MPs are taking a close look at the potential opportunities and risks associated with the UK adoption of cryptocurrencies and the technology that underpins them Continue Reading
-
News
22 Feb 2018
First Direct pilots open banking platform
HSBC's internet banking platform is testing out its service that enables customers to put all their bank accounts, from multiple providers, in one place Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
22 Feb 2018
CW Nordics: Nordics CIOs’ priorities in 2018
A select group of CIOs and analysts in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden give their views on the top IT priorities in 2018. As in 2017, digital transformation will continue to be a buzzword. Also read how Sweden is tightening up its cyber security defences as part of a wider national security strategy, and how Nordic banks cannot afford to slow their digital transformations as PSD2 comes into force. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Feb 2018
Lauri Love can stay in UK: prosecutors will not appeal extradition ruling
Crown Prosecution Service gives undertaking to Lauri Love that it will not appeal against a court decision not to extradite him to the US – but prosecutors are seeking leave to appeal over part of the court ruling on extradition procedure Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
16 Feb 2018
Brexit fears and frustrations are mounting for UK tech sector leaders
You wouldn’t exactly classify the leaders of the UK tech sector as a bunch of liberal lefties. For all the stereotypes of bearded Shoreditch sandal-wearers that surround much of the nascent startup ... Continue Reading
-
News
14 Feb 2018
100 days to GDPR compliance deadline
As the clock ticks down to the deadline to comply with the EU’s new data protection regulations, some surveys indicate there is still some confusion, but the focus has shifted from the sanctions to the benefits Continue Reading
-
News
14 Feb 2018
Technology spend growing at expense of trader salaries
Investment firms are spending a larger proportion of their budgets on software as data and artificial intelligence technology is seen to provide a competitive advantage Continue Reading
-
Opinion
13 Feb 2018
Why police forces need to be honest about mass mobile phone surveillance
Police forces across the UK are covering up their use of sophisticated mass surveillance devices, known as IMSI-catchers - the Bristol Cable and Liberty are campaigning for proper transparency Continue Reading
-
News
12 Feb 2018
FS-ISAC enables safer financial data sharing with API
The global financial industry's body for cyber and physical threat intelligence analysis and sharing has published an API to facilitate safer sharing of consumer financial information Continue Reading
-
News
12 Feb 2018
APAC fintech market set to bloom
Government support, the rise of digital payments and a new breed of financial services will put the region’s financial technology market in overdrive over the next few years Continue Reading
-
Video
09 Feb 2018
Video: Lauri Love – why we need volunteers to fight malware
Lauri Love talks to Computer Weekly about plans to collaborate with others to tackle malware and use cryptocurrencies to create new ways for businesses to work Continue Reading
-
News
08 Feb 2018
DMA Group working to reduce fear around GDPR
The DMA Group is focused on the GDPR for customer communications and marketing, but says the key aim is to reduce fear in the market Continue Reading
-
News
08 Feb 2018
Norway’s government backs cyber defence mobilisation
Norway has accelerated plans to scale up its national security infrastructure against threats emanating from the cyber domain Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
08 Feb 2018
CW Benelux: Dutch IT expert on a mission to expose vulnerabilities
Dutch ethical hacker Victor Gevers took full-time leave from his IT job last year and used the time to hunt for vulnerabilities. Read about his mission to find vulnerabilities, report them responsibly and then, hopefully, get them fixed by the vulnerable parties involved. Also in this issue, read how Proximus, Belgium’s largest telecommunications operator, is leaning on Cloudify to support its adoption of network functions virtualisation, and how journalists showed that the email addresses of Dutch politicians are easy to spoof. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Feb 2018
Data breaches set to affect future sales
The failure to protect customer data is set to create long-term business problems for organisations in Europe and the US, a survey reveals Continue Reading
-
News
06 Feb 2018
Many UK firms ill-equipped to deal the cloud security risks
Many UK firms do not have the security tools, processes and skills required to ensure their cloud implementations are secure, a security researcher and advocate warns Continue Reading
-
News
05 Feb 2018
Lauri Love plans to use ‘internet as a force for good’
Engineering student Lauri Love says he plans to help businesses fight cyber crime, after the court of appeal ruled that he can be tried in the UK for allegedly hacking US computer systems, rather than face extradition to the US Continue Reading
-
Opinion
05 Feb 2018
3, 2, 1, GDPR: How to be prepared on 25 May
There are seven key areas organisations should review to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation, and even though the deadline is less than four months away, it is still not too late to start Continue Reading
-
News
05 Feb 2018
Appeals court rules Lauri Love will not be extradited over US hacking charges
The lord chief justice, Lord Burnett, says 33-year-old engineering student Lauri Love will not be extradited to the US to face hacking charges, in a landmark legal decision, and the Crown Prosecution Service should bring proceedings against Love in the UK Continue Reading
-
News
02 Feb 2018
Appeal Court to give landmark verdict on Lauri Love extradition
The Appeal Court will decide whether Lauri Love, who has serious health issues, should be extradited to the US to face hacking charges, or face trial in the UK. The landmark case is the first test of legal protections introduced by Theresa May to protect vulnerable people Continue Reading
-
Opinion
02 Feb 2018
Europe’s shameful role in spy-tech exports that led to torture and jail
Governments in Europe actively assisted in government oppression in Iran, Bahrain and Russia by providing states with sophisticated surveillance equipment. The European Parliament is pressing for changes in the law to restrict exports of spy-technology to countries with poor human rights records Continue Reading
-
News
02 Feb 2018
Dutch Filmworks disrupts piracy fight by imposing download fines
Netherlands’ privacy watchdog grants film production company permission to collect IP addresses as part of its fight against illegal downloading Continue Reading
-
News
01 Feb 2018
Australia needs to invest more in R&D to move forward
Innovation and Science Australia has made 30 recommendations for the government to consider if the nation is not to become a global backwater Continue Reading