Technology Legislation
Regulations governing digital technology, cybersecurity, data protection, and technological innovation.
The Investigatory Powers (Codes of Practice, Review of Notices and Technical Advisory Board) Regulations 2025
These regulations bring into force new and revised codes of practice under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, clarifying procedures for bulk data access and communications interception.
They define "relevant change" regarding operator-system alterations requiring notification, specify review periods for notices, and amend the 2018 regulations governing the Technical Advisory Board, adjusting its membership and quorum requirements.
The Communications Act 2003 (Restrictions on the Advertising of Less Healthy Food) (Effective Date) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the Communications Act 2003, delaying the implementation of restrictions on the advertising of less healthy food and drink.
The effective date is pushed back from October 1, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
The changes affect several sections of the Act, specifically those outlining the objectives for such advertisements and the prohibition of paid advertising for less healthy food and drink.
An explanatory note references a full impact assessment conducted previously, explaining the lack of a new assessment for this amendment.
The Transport Act 2000 (Air Traffic Services) (Amendment) Order 2025
The Transport Act 2000 (Air Traffic Services) (Amendment) Order 2025, effective August 15, 2025, amends the definition of "air traffic services" in the Transport Act 2000 to include the process of developing and submitting airspace change proposals to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
This amendment applies to designated UK airspace and aims to streamline airspace management by providing clarity and supporting modernization initiatives.
The order follows a joint consultation on airspace modernization and leverages existing regulatory mechanisms while considering a potential de minimis cost impact on stakeholders.
The National Health Service (Charges, Remission of Charges and Pharmaceutical Services etc.) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2025
The 2025 National Health Service regulations amend three existing sets of regulations: those concerning travel expenses and remission of charges, pharmaceutical and local pharmaceutical services, and charges for drugs and appliances.
Key changes include removing tax credit-based exemptions from charges, updating rules for distance-selling pharmacies, and introducing automated refunds for pre-payment certificates for those becoming eligible for exemptions.
The amendments aim to streamline processes, update services, and address policy shift related to the termination of tax credits.
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.