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
09 Mar 2023
Millions in the Arab world use VPNs to overcome restrictions and bandwidth throttling
Citizens in the Arab world are using VPNs to help them bypass internet restrictions and increase available bandwidth Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2023
UK National Audit Office slams mistakes as ESN bill soars to £2bn
Financial watchdog bites UK government in report investigating £2bn Emergency Services Network project, which has been plagued by delays, budget overruns and rows over value for money Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2023
UK government introduces revised data reform bill to Parliament
Designed in close collaboration with technology businesses, the UK government is re-introducing an updated version of its Data Protection and Digital Information Bill to Parliament, which civil society groups say upends key safeguards Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Mar 2023
What can security teams learn from a year of cyber warfare?
With the passing of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we reflect on the ongoing cyber war, and ask what security leaders can learn from the past 12 months Continue Reading
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News
07 Mar 2023
Spring Budget 2023: Campaign calls on government to ‘fix or ditch’ IR35
Ahead of next week’s Spring Budget, contracting authority ContractorCalculator is calling on freelance IT workers to join campaign centred on getting government to ‘fix or ditch’ IR35 tax rules Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2023
Fintech industry calls for regulatory change to help struggling consumers
Fintech trade body calls for regulatory changes to allow fintechs to broaden services for people struggling in the cost-of-living crisis Continue Reading
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Podcast
06 Mar 2023
Podcast: 2023 compliance and storage outlook
Geopolitical instability casts its shadow as organisations must think about cyber attacks, data location and what to do if things change quickly. We talk to Mathieu Gorge, CEO of Vigitrust Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2023
Over 50s and IR35: How retired IT workers could help close the tech sector skills gap
With the UK government wanting to get more people who took early retirement in the wake of the pandemic back to work, recruitment experts ponder if encouraging them to work on a freelance basis could close the IT sector’s skills gap Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2023
Lords Committee to investigate use of AI-powered weapons systems
House of Lords to investigate the use of artificial intelligence in weapons systems, following UK government publication of AI defence strategy in June 2022 Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Mar 2023
Computer says no. Will fairness survive in the AI age?
New forms of regulation will be needed to safeguard against the risks posed by AI Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2023
White House unveils National Cybersecurity Strategy
The strategy will focus on ensuring closer collaboration on cyber security between government and industry, while giving software and other tech companies a bigger role in combatting threats due to their resources and expertise Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2023
AI interview: Michael Osborne, professor of machine learning
Artificial intelligence researcher speaks with Computer Weekly about the implications of a market-driven AI arms race and the overwhelming dominance of the private sector over the technology Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2023
Uber introduces dynamic pricing algorithm in London
The dynamic pricing algorithm will allow Uber to set variable pay and pricing levels, but drivers are concerned about how their personal data will be used and the impact the algorithm will have on their livelihoods Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2023
MWC 2023: Netflix pushes back against telcos in net neutrality row
Net neutrality seems to be an itch the European comms industry cannot scratch, and hot on the heels of an intention to get content firms to contribute to the build-out of networks for tomorrow’s services, Netflix takes aim at telcos’ demands Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2023
UK police have ‘culture of retention’ around biometric data
A culture of retention around biometric data in UK policing is damaging public trust, says UK biometrics commissioner, who is calling for clear regulation to govern police use of biometric technologies Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2023
UK HSE to launch regulatory sandbox for industrial safety tech
The sandbox will see the regulator work with industry and tech startups to accelerate the development and adoption of a range of safety-related technologies, with a particular emphasis on data and analytics Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2023
Care provider’s IT capability expands to support wider sector and beyond
Care Plus’s IT operation went from being under NHS control to an autonomous department selling its services Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2023
HMRC slammed for ‘needlessly’ pursuing CEST-assured outside-IR35 contractor
HMRC stands accused of needlessly drawing out an IR35-related investigation into an engineering contractor’s tax affairs by ignoring the findings of its own Check Employment Status for Tax tool Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2023
Full-fibre internet to reach half of UK homes by March 2023
Ofcom data shows full-fibre deployment in the UK has maintained pace over the past 12 months and is set to reach a major tipping point in the next few weeks Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2023
CIO interview: Hans van der Waal, director of global IT, Travelex
Travelex has weathered a storm that saw it sink into administration, before emerging to solidify its digital foundations for the future Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2023
Mock crime prediction tool profiles MEPs as potential criminals
Developed by Fair Trials, the example crime prediction tool uses the same information as police systems to assess the likelihood of someone committing a crime in the future Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
UK authorities clamp down on illegal crypto ATMs
The Financial Conduct Authority and West Yorkshire Police have disrupted a number of illegal crypto ATMs Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
‘Buy now, pay later’ crackdown in the making
The finance regulator has proposed bringing ‘buy now, pay later’ providers within its regulatory remit Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
UAE central bank programme to accelerate digital transformation
The United Arab Emirates government launches programme to accelerate the digital transformation of the country’s finance sector Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
Researcher exposes crypto scam network exploiting YouTube
A massive network of fake YouTube videos promoted by automated sock puppet accounts is reeling in hundreds of cryptocurrency enthusiasts and persuading them to hand over their money, WithSecure researchers found Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Feb 2023
How to protect your business from fraud during a recession
This winter, the chilly winds of a global recession have fraudsters turning up the heat. PJ Rohall of SEON Fraud Fighters shares some guidance on how to bundle up against fraud Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Feb 2023
What do the tech sector redundancy rounds mean for international employees working in the UK?
Individuals that have chosen to relocate to the UK to develop their careers sponsored by their employers face not only losing their job but their right to remain in the UK. What are the options? Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2023
KPMG launches metaverse and digital twin hub in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabian government’s commitment to investing in metaverse technology has attracted a KPMG centre of excellence to its shores Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2023
Investigatory Powers Act: Home Office proposes rethink of safeguards on bulk data collection
David Anderson KC will review the safeguards on intelligence service and police use of bulk datasets following a Home Office assessment that they are 'disproportionate'. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2023
Police tech needs clear legal rules, says biometrics regulator
Police use of artificial intelligence and facial recognition needs to be controlled by strict rules and mechanisms to ensure public trust Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2023
Whistleblower in limbo as sensitive NatWest customer files remain under her bed
Whistleblower and NatWest at stalemate as regulators leave it up to them to come to an agreement on return of sensitive customer data Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2023
UK imposes sanctions on Conti ransomware gang leaders
Seven Russian nationals associated with the Conti and Ryuk ransomware operations have been sanctioned by the UK Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2023
Banking regulatory body wants a ‘tripwire’ to flag APP fraud
Banking code of practice organisation wants banks to monitor where authorised push payment scammers are sending stolen money Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Feb 2023
Security Think Tank: Poor training is worse than no training at all
Bad security training is a betrayal of users, a security risk, and ultimately a waste of money, but there are some reasons to be optimistic about the future, say Mike Gillespie and Ellie Hurst of Advent IM Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2023
Prolific social media fraudster jailed for three years
Ramzan Abubakarov of Hendon will serve three-year prison sentence after using Telegram to coordinate series of frauds which netted almost £2m Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2023
Campaigners lament lack of movement on Computer Misuse Act reform
Westminster has opened a new consultation on proposed reforms to the Computer Misuse Act of 1990, but campaigners who want the law changed to protect cyber professionals have been left disappointed Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2023
UK government sets up dedicated department for science and technology
For the first time, the UK has a Cabinet-level role responsible for all science and technology policy, as part of prime minister Rishi Sunak’s departmental reshuffle Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2023
LockBit cartel finally claims Royal Mail ransomware attack
The LockBit ransomware gang claims it has stolen sensitive data from Royal Mail and will leak it later this week if its demands go unmet Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2023
APP fraud reimbursement proposal is ‘fundamentally flawed’, say MPs
MPs claim the involvement of a bank-sponsored organisation in reimbursing victims of APP fraud would be a conflict of interest Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2023
‘Profound’ digital pound decision faces policymakers
The UK Treasury has launched a consultation paper to help lay the foundations for a ‘profound decision’ over a digital currency Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2023
UK altnets slam Ofcom BT wholesale tariff approval
UK’s independent full-fibre providers express fear that likely regulatory green light for new wholesale pricing from market leader threatens competitiveness of UK gigabit sector Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2023
Benelux CIO interview: Marijn Grevink, leader of digital transformation, Mars
In an interview with Computer Weekly, the digital head at Mars, Marijn Grevink, takes the wrapper off digital transformation at the company in the Netherlands Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Feb 2023
The one problem with AI content moderation? It doesn’t work
The use of artificial intelligence for content moderation is likely to become more pronounced with the passage of the Online Safety Bill, but practitioners and experts question the efficacy of this approach Continue Reading
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E-Zine
06 Feb 2023
Making IT security training stick
In this week’s Computer Weekly, our latest buyer’s guide looks at IT security training, and asks whether gamification could be the secret to making it stick. We examine how the metaverse might change the way we work in real life. And we find out how job cuts across the tech sector affect employment opportunities for IT contractors in 2023. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2023
Estonian anti-money laundering platform used to fight APP fraud
A real-time data-sharing platform originally built to identify money laundering is also being applied to the fight against authorised push payment fraud Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2023
The Security Interviews: How to overcome data protection compliance challenges
Complying with the vast swathe of data protection legislation around the world is complex, especially for smaller organisations without the necessary expertise. Could the compliance process be simplified, and if so, how? Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Feb 2023
Backup maintenance: Make sure backups can deliver
Deploying backup but overlooking the need to make sure it works is a common error. We look at the why and how of backup maintenance to help ensure you can recover from your backups Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2023
Finance regulator finding more misleading promotions quicker through improved digital tools
UK finance regulator able to find and block misleading promotions faster through improved digital tools Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2023
LockBit gang confirms Ion cyber attack as disruption continues
The LockBit ransomware cartel has taken responsibility for this week’s attack on financial software firm Ion, and is threatening to leak stolen data on Saturday 4 February Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2023
FCA cracks down on misleading promos by social media influencers
Social media is becoming a major part of the FCA’s work in clamping down on misleading financial advertising and promotions, with multiple influencers rapped for their behaviour Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2023
Record fibre growth fails to halt mixed Q3 for BT
Strategy of focus on fibre and 5G vindicated in financial results showing leading UK telco buffeted by inflationary headwinds – but also seeing benefit of growing investment in fixed network infrastructure Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2023
MEPs vote to amend platform worker directive
MEPs have voted in favour of amendments to the European Commission’s platform worker directive that would introduce a presumption of employment and increase algorithmic transparency Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2023
UK government announces plans to protect consumers through cryptoasset regulation
UK government wants feedback on its plans to regulate organisations operating in the cryptoasset sector Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2023
Arnold Clark customer data was stolen in Play ransomware attack
Arnold Clark confirms data leaked on dark web was stolen from its systems in ransomware attack Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2023
Malware variant can block contactless payments
Kaspersky warns that the latest variant of the Prilex malware can block contactless payments to force people to insert cards, enabling criminals to steal money Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2023
UK Cyber Council and ISACA launch audit, assurance programme
The UK Cyber Security Council has teamed up with ISACA to partner on a new audit and assurance programme for security pros Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2023
MI5 unlawfully collected and held millions of people’s data
Secretive court finds MI5 knowingly acted unlawfully in use of bulk surveillance warrants, and the Home Office continued granting warrants despite information the agency was operating outside the law Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jan 2023
Three outsourcing trends to look out for in 2023
ISG's Andreas Fahr outlines three IT sourcing trends to look out for in the coming year. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2023
MPs warned of AI arms race to the bottom
Expert tells Parliamentary committee that tech companies developing artificial intelligence are cutting corners and placing safety on the backburner, opening up ‘enormous risks’ for the future of AI Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2023
Data of 10 million JD Sports customers accessed in cyber attack
Data on 10 million people who shopped online at JD Sports over a two-year period was accessed and potentially stolen in a cyber attack Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2023
UK local authorities reveal connectivity priorities, challenges
Study examining topics ranging from gigabit-capable broadband to 5G, smart places, telecoms and net-zero finds progress being made in UK local government, but challenges remain in the drive to improve digital connectivity Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2023
Lords question ‘extensive’ government online safety powers
Digital minister Paul Scully defends government Online Safety plans to give secretary of state powers to direct Ofcom Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2023
Will mass big tech lay-offs affect employment prospects of IT contractors in 2023?
With some of the biggest tech firms in the world announcing mass redundancies, will the flood of new entrants to the jobs market affect the prospects of IT contractors already looking for work amid the cost-of-living crisis? Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2023
UK insurers need to up their game on cyber gaps, says PRA
Gaps and limitations in how insurers respond to cyber risk need to be addressed, according to the Bank of England regulator, the Prudential Regulation Authority Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2023
Nationwide Building Society CIO to join Co-operative Bank
Gary Delooze to join Co-operative Bank as CIO after six years heading up Nationwide Building Society’s IT department Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2023
Executive interview: Andrew Roughan, CEO, Plexal
Plexal CEO Andrew Roughan talks about how tech startups collaborate with the government to transform public services, the barriers to entry, and how the process can be improved Continue Reading
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23 Jan 2023
BBC assures UK Parliament digital transformation plans are on track
MPs probe broadcaster’s senior management over plans to reconstruct organisation to be fit for purpose in modern media industry and satisfy multiplatform needs of licence fee payers. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Jan 2023
The rise of fraud in pop culture is impacting consumers’ digital trust
Shows such as The Tinder Swindler and Inventing Anna were big money-earners for Netflix in 2022, but Onfido’s Mike Tuchen says their popularity risks damaging consumer trust Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2023
Royal Society calls on public sector to pilot privacy tech
The Royal Society says public sector bodies should lead the way in piloting privacy-enhancing technologies to unlock the value of data without compromising privacy and data rights, but lack of standards and incentives mean adoption is slow Continue Reading
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News
20 Jan 2023
Veeam survey finds ransomware blocks digital transformation
Annual report shows secular trend to the cloud and increased use of containers, but prevalence of ransomware attacks means digital transformation is hindered Continue Reading
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E-Zine
20 Jan 2023
CW APAC January 2023 – Trend Watch: CIO Trends
As we enter a new year, it remains vital for IT leaders to keep track of the latest developments across the industry. In this handbook, focused on CIO trends in the Asia-Pacific region, Computer Weekly looks at predictions for 2023, how the Australian Red Cross managed a donation surge, Mondelez’s digital transformation and Singapore’s public sector IT strategy Continue Reading
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News
20 Jan 2023
WhatsApp’s £4.8m fine raises questions for organisations using behavioural advertising
The Irish Data Protection Commissioner has fined WhatsApp, owned by Meta, in a case that will raise questions for organisations that rely on contracts rather than consent to comply with GDPR when offering behavioural advertising Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2023
UK seeks to ban sharing ‘positive’ Channel crossing videos online
Under UK government amendments to the Online Safety Bill, video footage that shows people crossing the Channel in a ‘positive light’ could be added to a list of illegal content that all tech platforms must proactively prevent from reaching users, while senior managers could face further criminal sanctions Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2023
Newham Council rejects use of live facial-recognition tech by police
Live facial-recognition technology should not be used by police in Newham until biometric and anti-discrimination safeguards are in place, according to a motion passed unanimously by the council, but the Met Police and the Home Office have indicated they will not suspend its use Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2023
Benelux CIO interview: Richard Ventre, SHV Holdings
In his role at Netherlands-based SHV Holdings, Richard Ventre is tackling the challenge of enabling a diverse set of digital transformations across a range of industries Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2023
Claim IR35 reform repeal and U-turn cost the government ‘nothing’ called into question
After responding to a question about the cost of the government’s repeal of the IR35 reforms and its subsequent U-turn on the decision, the financial secretary has come under fire for claiming no additional costs were incurred by its flip-flopping Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2023
Cloudflare urged to clamp down on pirates, counterfeiters
A whitepaper produced by brand protection specialist Corsearch calls on Cloudflare to do more to stop online content piracy and sales of counterfeit goods Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2023
Crest throws support behind CyberUp CMA reform campaign
Cyber accreditation association Crest International has lent its support to the CyberUp campaign for reform to the Computer Misuse Act of 1990 Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2023
IR35 reforms: Contractors cite tax avoidance legislation as ‘biggest concern’ in 2023
Contractors have cited the IR35 reforms as being their biggest concern in 2023, ahead of the cost-of-living crisis and the government’s planned tax rises Continue Reading
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E-Zine
16 Jan 2023
CW EMEA: Protecting the privacy of schoolchildren
In this month’s CW EMEA, we look at how schools in Germany have stopped using Microsoft Office 365 over lack of clarity over how data is collected, shared and used. We also delve into how former UK spy boss Richard Dearlove leaked names of MI6 secret agent recruiters in China to back an aggressive right-wing US campaign against tech company Huawei. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2023
Experts concerned over silence around government obligation to review UK surveillance laws
The government is required to review the UK’s surveillance law, the Investigatory Powers Act, but experts say they are in the dark about its plans. The National Crime Agency’s operation Venetic has highlighted the need for urgent reforms Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2023
Cabinet Office looks to expand public data sharing for digital ID
Cabinet Office seeks feedback on proposed legislation to enhance data sharing across the public sector, in support of the UK government’s ambition to have a single sign-on identity-check system for all public services Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2023
BBC assures UK Parliament that digital transformation plans are on track
UK Parliamentary accounts watchdog probes British Broadcasting Corporation senior management regarding plans to reconstruct organisation to be fit for purpose in modern media industry and satisfy multiplatform needs of licence fee payers Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2023
Government accused of leaving umbrella company regulation in limbo by shelving enforcement body
The UK government is coming under pressure to reveal the state of its plans to regulate umbrella companies after it emerged that the enforcement body it promised to create is unlikely to materialise Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Jan 2023
Europe’s cyber security strategy must be clear about open source
Europe’s cyber security policy on open source is lagging behind the US, and despite growing government awareness of the issues, that poses a problem Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2023
UK net neutrality regulation failing all stakeholders
Leading analyst releases study showing net neutrality regulation is failing consumers, innovators and investors, calling for evidence-based broadband policy Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2023
Internet shutdowns cost global economy $24bn in 2022
Deliberate disruption of people’s access to the internet by governments is having a substantial economic impact and contributing to a range of human rights abuses, primarily against protestors Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2023
Insurer Beazley introduces catastrophe bond to ease cyber risk
Insurance company Beazley says that its $45m cyber catastrophe bond will help to protect its balance sheet and enable it to offer more cyber insurance cover Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2023
Vulnerable organisations to get free Cyber Essentials support
Charities and legal aid firms are among those to be offered free security checks and certifications from the National Cyber Security Centre Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2023
Proposed digital fraud refund rules risk excluding many victims
Proposals to establish a fraud refund mechanism in the UK risk excluding many victims of digitally enabled fraud, a major bank has warned Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2023
New UK laws to see homeowners, tenants get better access to fast broadband
UK government mandates that almost all new homes in England must be built with gigabit broadband connections during construction, making it easier for homebuyers, renters and some leaseholders to upgrade to ultrafast services Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2023
Meta to appeal £345m fine for Facebook and Instagram privacy breaches
Social media company Meta is to appeal after the Irish Data Protection Commission fined the company for breaching GDPR Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jan 2023
Securing low Earth orbit represents the new space race
The barriers to launching satellites into low Earth orbit are falling fast, and that brings new cyber security challenges Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2023
Traditional banking under threat from platform-based alternatives
Banking as a service embedded in non-banking business offerings will take large chunks from traditional banks Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2023
Test of digital ID tech at Surrey nightclub proclaimed success
The majority of visitors to a Camberley venue who piloted a digital identification app developed by 1account said they found it easy to use and preferred it to standard physical ID Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Dec 2022
Cyber security professionals share their biggest lessons of 2022
In the run-up to 2023, cyber security professionals are taking the time to reflect on the past few months and share their biggest lessons of 2022 Continue Reading
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News
29 Dec 2022
Top 10 technology and ethics stories of 2022
Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 technology and ethics stories of 2022 Continue Reading
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News
29 Dec 2022
Top 10 Nordic IT stories of 2022
Here are Computer Weekly's top 10 Nordic IT articles of 2022 Continue Reading
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News
28 Dec 2022
Complaints that NCA failed in duty of candour over EncroChat warrants ‘incredible’, court hears
NCA lawyers argue that a decision by an NCA intelligence officer to disclose notes of a key meeting after two-and-a-half years boosts her credibility as a witness Continue Reading
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News
28 Dec 2022
Top 10 Middle East IT stories of 2022
Here are Computer Weekly's top 10 Middle East IT articles of 2022 Continue Reading