Technology Legislation

Regulations governing digital technology, cybersecurity, data protection, and technological innovation.

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (CMA Consumer Enforcement Rules) Regulations 2025

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (CMA Consumer Enforcement Rules) Regulations 2025, effective April 6th, 2025, approve the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) rules for enforcing consumer protection laws.

These rules cover procedural matters, including investigations, representations, document inspection, procedural complaints, settlements, and notification of decisions.

The regulations apply to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and the CMA developed these rules following consultations.

The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025 designates numerous central government bodies as 'designated bodies' for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

This designation is for their inclusion in the supply estimates and resource accounts of their respective government departments.

The order covers various government departments and agencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

It is based on powers granted by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 and includes consultations with devolved administrations.

The Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Civil Penalty Code of Practice) Order 2025

Published: Thu 6th Mar 25

The Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Civil Penalty Code of Practice) Order 2025 establishes a revised code of practice for sanctions related to non-compliance with biometric registration regulations, effective March 27, 2025.

The revision facilitates a transition from physical to digital immigration documents and was preceded by public consultation.

The order applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Online Safety Act 2023 (Category 1, Category 2A and Category 2B Threshold Conditions) Regulations 2025

These regulations, made under the Online Safety Act 2023, define threshold conditions for categorizing online services as Category 1, 2A, or 2B. Category 1 applies to user-to-user services exceeding certain user numbers and using content recommender systems or offering content sharing functionalities.

Category 2A applies to search engines exceeding user number thresholds except those focusing exclusively on specified topics.

Category 2B covers user-to-user services with high user numbers supporting direct messaging functionalities.

The regulations stipulate how to calculate average monthly active UK users to determine category fit and came into force the day after enactment.

The Space Industry (Licence Exemption for Military Activities of Allies) Regulations 2025

The Space Industry (Licence Exemption for Military Activities of Allies) Regulations 2025 exempt authorized personnel from allied armed forces, international military organizations, and related entities from needing operator or range control licenses for sub-orbital spaceflight activities conducted for national security purposes.

These exemptions apply when activities originate from Crown land, land controlled by His Majesty's forces, or specific ships or platforms in UK territorial waters.

The regulations were created under the Space Industry Act 2018, following public consultation and parliamentary approval, and also amend the Space Industry Regulations 2021.

The Gambling Act 2005 (Operating Licence Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend the Gambling Act 2005 (Operating Licence Conditions) Regulations 2007 to introduce maximum stake limits for online slots games.

The maximum stake is £2 for individuals under 25 and £5 for those 25 and over.

A six-week transitional period applies, and the Secretary of State must review the regulations within five years, publishing a report on the findings.

The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (Security Requirements for Relevant Connectable Products) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend the 2023 Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Regulations.

Key changes include clarifying the required information on minimum security update periods for manufacturers and adding exceptions to the definition of 'relevant connectable products' for certain types of vehicles found in Great Britain.

The exemptions mirror existing exceptions for Northern Ireland, reflecting a commitment to regulatory alignment and alignment with international trade obligations.

The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025 designates numerous public and local government bodies to provide financial information to the Treasury for the 2024-2025 financial year.

This data is used to compile the Whole of Government Accounts, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.

The Order came into force on March 18, 2025, and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Treasury consulted with Welsh Ministers where deemed appropriate.