Technology Legislation
Regulations governing digital technology, cybersecurity, data protection, and technological innovation.
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 9 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026
- Department: Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
- Made under: Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
Abolished the office of the Information Commissioner and transferred all regulatory functions to the Information Commission effective September 2026.
These Regulations bring into force provisions of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 that abolish the office of the Information Commissioner and transfer its functions to a new body known as the Information Commission.
Taking effect on 30 September 2026, the instrument establishes legal continuity, ensuring that any ongoing proceedings or actions involving the Commissioner are inherited by the Commission.
The regulations apply to the Information Commission, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and any parties currently engaged in legal or administrative processes with the UK data protection regulator.
The Motor Vehicles (Type Approval and Approval Marks) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
- Department: Department for Transport
- Made under: Road Traffic Act 1988, Finance Act 1973
Increased the hourly rates for vehicle examinations and introduced new charges for specialist technical analysis and the use of government testing equipment.
These Regulations increase the fees charged by the Department for Transport for the examination and type approval of vehicles and vehicle parts.
The order establishes a two-tier hourly rate for DfT officers, introduces additional charges for the use of government-owned testing equipment, and defines new technical categories related to cyber security and automated driving systems.
These changes apply to vehicle manufacturers and entities seeking regulatory compliance for automotive components in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Middlesborough) Regulations 2026
Restricted the flight of unmanned aircraft in two areas of Middlesbrough on 4 September 2026 for public safety and security.
These Regulations prohibit the flight of unmanned aircraft within two specific circular areas in Middlesbrough on 4 September 2026 between 0600 and 2000 UTC. The restrictions apply to all drone operators unless they have obtained specific permission from the Cleveland Police Drone Unit.
The order establishes two restricted zones with radii of 1.08 nautical miles, one capped at 1,200 feet and the other at 1,100 feet above mean sea level.
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 (Commencement No. 3 and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026
- Department: Home Office
- Made under: Crime and Policing Act 2026
Activated multiple provisions of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 concerning anti-social behaviour, SIM farms, police conduct lists, and extradition procedures.
This statutory instrument brings several sections of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 into legal force across four dates in late 2026.
It activates new legal mechanisms including respect orders, youth and housing injunctions, and criminal offences related to 'SIM farms' and specified articles.
The regulations also establish police barred and advisory lists, update extradition procedures for convicted persons, and grant registered social housing providers new powers to close premises.
The instrument applies to law enforcement agencies, social housing providers, the judiciary, and individuals subject to criminal or civil proceedings in England and Wales.
The Trade Unions (Permissible Means of Voting) and Employment Rights (Unfair Dismissal) (Amendment) Order 2026
Expanded trade union balloting methods to include electronic, hybrid, and workplace voting while updating unfair dismissal protections.
This Order amends the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and the Employment Rights Act 1996 to permit trade unions to conduct elections and industrial action ballots via electronic, hybrid, and workplace voting in addition to traditional postal methods.
It directs a 'responsible person' within the union to determine which voting methods are available for a given ballot based on specific security and accessibility criteria.
The Order applies to trade unions, employers, and independent scrutineers, mandating strict technical standards such as Cyber Essentials Plus certification, data encryption, and the maintenance of comprehensive audit logs.
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Colchester, Essex) Regulations 2026
Restricted the flight of drones and other unmanned aircraft in the Colchester area during a public gathering on 31 July 2026.
These Regulations prohibit the operation of unmanned aircraft below 1,200 feet above mean sea level in a defined area of Colchester, Essex, on 31 July 2026.
The restriction applies from 05:00 to 17:00 UTC (06:00 to 18:00 BST) to manage safety and security risks associated with a large public gathering.
The rules apply to all unmanned aircraft pilots, except those who obtain specific permission from the Essex Police Counter-UAS Bronze Commander.
The Trade (Mobile Roaming) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
- Department: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Made under: Trade Act 2021
Reduced the maximum wholesale roaming charges for calls, texts, and data services in EEA EFTA countries.
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
- Department: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Made under: Electricity Act 1989, Consumer Protection Act 1987
Authorized the use of standard plugs for plug-in solar microgenerators up to 800 watts and mandated compliance with a new interim product specification.
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).