Technology Legislation
Regulations governing digital technology, cybersecurity, data protection, and technological innovation.
The Trade (Mobile Roaming) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
These Regulations lower the maximum wholesale rates that mobile service providers may charge each other for roaming services in specific territories covered by the UK-EEA EFTA Free Trade Agreement.
The order reduces the price caps for making telephone calls and sending SMS messages, and establishes a two-stage reduction for data transmission charges.
These changes apply to mobile network operators providing roaming services under the international agreement between the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 and Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (Amendment) Regulations 2026
These Regulations permit the use of standard plugs for plug-in solar microgenerators with a maximum output of 800 watts, provided they meet specific safety criteria.
They authorize notified bodies to approve plugs that do not fully conform to British Standard BS 1363 solely because they facilitate electricity generation.
The instrument applies to manufacturers of plug-in solar devices, notified bodies responsible for safety certification, and consumers in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland (though grid-related amendments apply only to Great Britain).
The Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (Directions to OFCOM) (Revocation) Order 2026
This Order revokes the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (Directions to OFCOM) Order 2010, effectively ending the specific legal directions previously issued by the Secretary of State to the Office of Communications (OFCOM).
It applies to the UK's telecommunications regulator, removing mandated requirements to vary wireless telegraphy licences, amend spectrum trading and charging regulations, and set specific auction rules for electromagnetic spectrum.
The revocation reflects the government's position that the 2010 mandates, which aimed to facilitate the deployment of mobile broadband, have been fully implemented and are no longer necessary.
The Climate Change Agreements (Administration, Energy-intensive Installations and Eligible Facilities) (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations 2026
These regulations update the administrative framework and eligibility criteria for the Climate Change Levy (CCL) reduction scheme, effective from 1 January 2027.
The instrument defines which energy-intensive installations and processes, ranging from chemical manufacturing to data centers and battery production, qualify for climate change agreements.
It directs the Treasury and the Secretary of State to oversee a revised list of eligible facilities while amending the formula used to calculate buy-out fees for participants who fail to meet energy efficiency or emissions targets.
The Digital Communications and Contact Details Regulations 2026
These Regulations authorize the Commissioners for His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to designate specific taxation matters as 'default digital matters,' enabling the agency to use electronic communications with taxpayers by default unless they formally opt out.
The instrument requires individuals using HMRC online services for these matters to provide and maintain accurate digital contact details, such as email addresses.
It applies to any person or entity interacting with HMRC's digital services and empowers the Commissioners to suspend service access for those who fail to provide required contact information without a reasonable excuse.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) (Notification Requirements) Regulations 2026
These regulations define the procedural and informational requirements for persons responsible for "qualifying premises" and "qualifying events" to notify the Security Industry Authority.
They establish specific timeframes for initial registration and the updating of inaccurate information, ranging from 14 to 28 days depending on the nature of the entity.
The regulations apply to owners and operators of venues and events across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland that meet the criteria of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, mandating the submission of detailed operational, contact, and licensing data via a specified online portal.
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Rotherham, South Yorkshire) (Emergency) Regulations 2026
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Rotherham, South Yorkshire) (Emergency) Regulations 2026 establishes a restricted airspace for unmanned aircraft in Rotherham.
It prohibits the flight of unmanned aircraft below 1,500 feet above mean sea level within a 0.54 nautical mile radius of a specified coordinate in South Yorkshire. This restriction applies to all unmanned aircraft operators, with the exception of those flying according to directions provided by the South Yorkshire Police. The Secretary of State for Transport issued this order under the authority of the Air Navigation Order 2016 in response to an unspecified emergency situation.
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Charlbury, Oxfordshire) Regulations 2026
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Charlbury, Oxfordshire) Regulations 2026 prohibit the flight of unmanned aircraft below 1,600 feet above mean sea level in a specified area of Oxfordshire. These restrictions apply from 30 July 2026 to 3 August 2026 to coincide with the Wilderness Festival.
The order applies to all unmanned aircraft operators, with specific exemptions for aircraft authorized by the Festival Republic Event Silver Commander or those operated by police air support units.