UK
Quick answer. The UK government confirmed on 18 March 2026 that it will not introduce a broad copyright exception for AI training. Instead, the existing copyright framework applies: AI developers must obtain licences to use copyrighted works for training, unless a specific existing exception (such as non-commercial research under section 29A CDPA 1988) applies. The…
Ofcom’s Plan of Work 2026/27 shapes telecoms investment, altnet consolidation and compliance. Analysis of what it means for operators and dealmakers.
The Nexfibre-Netomnia deal, the government Statement of Strategic Priorities and Ofcom Telecoms Access Review 2026-31 together set the framework for UK fibre infrastructure transactions. What advisors and investors need to know about deal structuring in a consolidating market.
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 commenced on 5 February 2026, reforming automated decision-making, expanding ICO enforcement powers, and raising PECR fines to UK GDPR levels. Combined with record enforcement activity in 2025 and a new settlement procedure, the ICO is better equipped and more willing to act. What regulated businesses need to do now.
The EU agreed PSD3 and the Payment Services Regulation in November 2025, overhauling fraud liability, open banking and e-money rules. The UK is not bound by PSD3, but its own payments reform is heading in a similar direction. What firms operating across both regimes need to know.
Ofcom published its Telecoms Access Review 2026-31 on 17 March 2026.
Quick answer. The European Commission’s proposed Digital Networks Act would replace the 2018 Electronic Communications Code with a directly applicable Regulation, consolidating spectrum, access and infrastructure rules across the EU. The European Commission has published its proposal for a Digital Networks Act (DNA), the most substantial reform of EU telecoms regulation in over a decade….
Quick answer. Ofcom’s Connected Nations 2025 report confirms UK mobile data usage rose 18% year-on-year, 5G standalone networks cover 83% of the UK population from at least one operator, full-fibre broadband reaches 78% of UK premises, and over one million households have stopped using a landline. The report is the primary independent data source for…
Quick answer. The European Commission has proposed a Digital Omnibus Regulation amending the GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, NIS2 and the Data Act, and repealing or consolidating several overlapping measures. The Commission’s Staff Working Document estimates annual administrative cost savings to business of over EUR 1.3bn once implemented. UK controllers processing EU residents’ data should track the…
Quick answer. The Judicial Office and the Information Commissioner’s Office have each published internal AI use guidelines for their own staff. The guidance is operational, not directed at industry. It illustrates the UK’s sectoral approach to AI governance: existing bodies publishing rules for their own use within their existing remits, rather than a horizontal AI…
Quick answer. The Online Safety Act 2023 imposes a statutory duty of care on UK-accessible user-to-user services, search services and online publishers. Ofcom is the regulator and has moved into phased enforcement: illegal harms codes from March 2025, child safety codes from July 2025. Operators must classify their services, complete illegal harms and children’s access…