Technology Legislation
Regulations governing digital technology, cybersecurity, data protection, and technological innovation.
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025 (Commencement) Regulations 2025
These regulations set the commencement dates for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025.
Key provisions, including the transfer of the Institute's property, rights, and liabilities to the Secretary of State, come into effect the day after the regulations are made.
Further provisions, including the transfer of functions and the abolition of the Institute, take effect on June 1st, 2025, at 2:00 a.m.
The regulations aim to streamline governance and clarify responsibilities, but potential negative consequences such as increased bureaucracy or disruption to existing structures are possible.
The Price Marking (Amendment) Order 2025
The Price Marking (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2024 Order, postponing its effective date to April 6, 2026.
Key changes include updated references to the Weights and Measures Act 1985, the Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006, and EU Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, concerning food information for consumers.
The amendment to article 9 provides greater flexibility regarding price reduction announcements for businesses.
The Medical Devices (Amendment) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025
The Medical Devices (Amendment) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025 amend the 2002 Medical Devices Regulations by removing specific revocation dates for assimilated EU laws.
This action maintains the existing regulatory framework for medical devices in Great Britain, ensuring public health safety, by removing now unnecessary dates for the revocation of several EU regulations.
The regulations came into force on May 24, 2025, applying to England, Wales, and Scotland.
The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective November 13, 2025, activate parts of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023.
The Act governs the release and sale of precision-bred organisms, specifically focusing on plants within England, Wales, and Scotland.
The regulations specify which sections of the Act come into force, primarily those concerning the release, marketing, risk assessment, and production of food from precision-bred plants, and their enforcement.
The Wireless Telegraphy (Spectrum Trading and Register) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Wireless Telegraphy (Spectrum Trading and Register) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective June 2nd, 2025, amend the 2012 Spectrum Trading and Register Regulations.
Key changes include updating the list of frequency bands available for shared access licenses in the 2.3 GHz, 26 GHz, and 40 GHz bands, as well as point-to-point licenses in the 7900-8400 MHz band, and removing Self Contained Links in the 64-66 GHz band from transfer eligibility.
The amendments aim to improve spectrum management, promote innovation, and enhance regulatory clarity for wireless telegraphy licenses.
The Transfer of Functions (Digital Government) Order 2025
The Transfer of Functions (Digital Government) Order 2025, effective June 3rd, 2025, transfers specified digital government functions from the Minister for the Cabinet Office to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
This includes functions under the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 and sections of the Digital Economy Act 2017.
The order also transfers related property, rights, and liabilities, and includes supplementary provisions to address ongoing processes and legal implications.
Consequential amendments are made to relevant legislation to reflect the functional changes.
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Financial Investigators) (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2025
This Order amends the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Financial Investigators) (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) Order 2021.
The amendments clarify the descriptions of accredited financial investigators for handling cryptoassets and converted cryptoassets within civil recovery procedures under Chapters 3C, 3D, and 3F of Part 5.
The changes take effect on May 27, 2025, and apply to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The lack of a full impact assessment suggests minimal anticipated effect on the public or private sectors.
The Online Procedure Rules (Specified Proceedings) Regulations 2025
The Online Procedure Rules (Specified Proceedings) Regulations 2025, enacted under the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022, define specific civil and family proceedings in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland eligible for online procedures.
These include property-related cases in various courts and tribunals, and financial remedy proceedings in English and Welsh family courts.
The regulations were approved by both Houses of Parliament and signed by the Lord Chancellor, Lady Chief Justice, and Senior President of Tribunals.