Technology Legislation

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

The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No. 2) Regulations 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.