Technology Legislation
Regulations governing digital technology, cybersecurity, data protection, and technological innovation.
The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No. 2) Regulations 2025
- Department: Department for Business and Trade
The regulations amended Annex 6 of (EC) No 1223/2009 to restrict the maximum concentration of Oxybenzone in cosmetic products and provided a transitional period for existing products.
These regulations, effective January 21, 2026, amend UK law to restrict the use of 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone/Oxybenzone (Oxybenzone) in cosmetic products due to potential health concerns.
The regulations specify different maximum concentrations depending on the product type and incorporate a transition period until July 21, 2026, for products already on the market.
The changes are based on scientific advice and aim to ensure public health and safety while providing a transition period for businesses.
The Online Safety Act 2023 (Commencement No. 6) Regulations 2025
- Department: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Made under: Online Safety Act 2023
Section 210 of the Online Safety Act 2023 was brought into force, repealing Part 4B of the Communications Act 2003 and ending a transition period for online video-sharing platforms.
These regulations bring into force section 210 of the Online Safety Act 2023 on July 25, 2025.
This section repeals Part 4B of the Communications Act 2003, ending a transition period that began in January 2024.
The change puts video-sharing platforms under the Online Safety Act's updated duties of care.
The regulations apply across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
A full impact assessment is available.
The Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025
- Department: Office of Communications
- Made under: Postal Services Act 2011, Communications Act 2003
The Order amended the Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) Order 2012, updating definitions, delivery and collection services, and revoking a prior amendment order.
The Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025 amends the 2012 Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) Order.
Key changes include updated definitions to reflect the UK's departure from the EU, revised routing times for standard and priority letters, and adjustments to delivery and collection schedules, aiming for greater clarity and efficiency in the postal system.
The Order also revokes a previous, incomplete amendment Order.
OFCOM conducted a user needs review before implementing these changes.
The Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) (Amendment) Order 2025
- Department: Office of Communications
- Made under: Postal Services Act 2011, Communications Act 2003
The 2025 Order amended the 2012 Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) Order, updating definitions, delivery and collection schedules, and routing times for letters.
This Order amends the 2012 Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) Order to update definitions, reflecting the UK's departure from the European Union.
It also modifies delivery and collection service requirements, specifying separate standards for priority and standard letters, while outlining revised routing time calculations.
These changes aim to improve service standards and are made after a user needs review and a public consultation process.
The Investigatory Powers (Communications Data) (Relevant Public Authorities and Designated Senior Officers) Regulations 2025
- Department: Home Office
- Made under: Investigatory Powers Act 2016
The 2025 regulations amended Schedule 4 of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, modifying which public authorities could access communications data and for what purposes, adding some agencies while removing others.
These regulations amend the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, specifying which public authorities can access communications data and for what reasons.
The changes add several new authorities, like the Department for Business and Trade and the Security Industry Authority, while others, such as some ambulance services, lose this power.
The amendments also fine-tune access for existing authorities, such as the Department for Transport, by limiting access depending on the specific agency within the department.
These alterations are intended to improve the targeting of investigations while maintaining safeguards against misuse.
The Road Vehicles (Type-Approval) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025
- Department: Department for Transport
The 2025 regulations amended Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/79, updated terminology, introduced a new Annex X for extending GB type-approvals for eCall systems, and allowed for the equivalent treatment of certain EU and GB-approved eCall components.
The Road Vehicles (Type-Approval) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 amend Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/79, updating language in Article 5 to use terms such as 'must' instead of 'shall have to'.
The regulations introduce a new Annex X outlining the procedure for extending GB type-approvals for eCall in-vehicle systems operating over circuit-switched networks.
They also allow EU-approved eCall components and separate technical units to be treated similar to GB-approved parts, enabling exemptions from some tests.
The Electricity Act 1989 (Requirement of Consent for Solar Generating Stations) (England) Order 2025
- Department: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Made under: Electricity Act 1989
The order amended the Electricity Act 1989 to increase the permitted capacity for solar generating stations in England to 100 megawatts.
The Electricity Act 1989 (Requirement of Consent for Solar Generating Stations) (England) Order 2025, effective December 31, 2025, amends the 1989 Act to increase the permitted capacity of solar generating stations in England from 50 to 100 megawatts before requiring Secretary of State consent.
The Order applies to England and Wales and is supported by a separate impact assessment.
The Online Safety Act 2023 (Fees Notification) Regulations 2025
- Department: Office of Communications
- Made under: Online Safety Act 2023
The Online Safety Act 2023 (Fees Notification) Regulations 2025 were enacted, outlining the necessary documentation and procedures for providers of regulated online services to submit fee-related information to OFCOM.
The Online Safety Act 2023 (Fees Notification) Regulations 2025, effective September 14, 2025, mandate evidence submission by providers of regulated online services to OFCOM for fee calculations under the 2023 Act.
These regulations specify the required information, including financial statements and declarations of accuracy, and the prescribed method for submission, clarifying the process outlined in the Online Safety Act 2023.