Technology Legislation
Regulations governing digital technology, cybersecurity, data protection, and technological innovation.
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 1986 Regulations to permit road use of hydrogen-fuelled agricultural vehicles, engineering plant, works trucks, and category T tractors.
The amendments introduce new safety requirements for hydrogen fuel systems, including stipulations for fuelling receptacles, pressure relief devices, leak prevention, and driver warnings.
These requirements align with UNECE regulations and aim to balance enabling the use of hydrogen technology with ensuring public and environmental safety.
The Electronic Communications (Networks and Services) (Designated Vendor Directions) (Penalties) Order 2025
The Electronic Communications (Networks and Services) (Designated Vendor Directions) (Penalties) Order 2025 clarifies the calculation of penalties for non-compliance with designated vendor directions under the Communications Act 2003.
It specifies the relevant business activities to be included in turnover calculations for penalty purposes and amends the Electronic Communications (Networks and Services) (Penalties) (Rules for Calculation of Turnover) Order 2003 to replace references to "notified provider" with "person." This ensures consistency with the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 and provides a clearer framework for penalty enforcement.
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Engineering College of Technology Limited) Order 2025
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Engineering College of Technology Limited) Order 2025 authorizes Engineering College of Technology Limited to grant taught awards up to the master's level in specified engineering and technology subjects.
The authorization, effective April 1, 2025, and expiring April 1, 2029, follows advice from the relevant body and is based on the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.
The Order lists specific subjects covered and requires that award recipients be enrolled at the college at the time of course completion.
An impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to the lack of impact on businesses, civil society organizations, or the public sector.
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 amend several UK laws to reflect changes in consumer protection, enforcement mechanisms, and information disclosure related to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
The regulations predominantly replace references to older legislation with references to the newer Act, ensuring consistent application of the new Act's directives across various legal instruments.
Specific changes include updates to acts governing agriculture, misrepresentation, telecommunications, and financial services, among others.
The amendments also clarify information disclosure rules to support smoother international cooperation between regulators.
Several amendments will come into force only once specific parts of the 2024 Act are enacted.
The Immigration (Biometric Information etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend existing UK immigration legislation concerning the collection, use, and retention of biometric information.
Key changes include expanding biometric data requirements to include entrants to the UK, allowing for electronic submission of data, clarifying the process for issuing biometric immigration documents, and updating data retention periods.
The amendments affect multiple regulations dating back to 2006, and incorporate the use of the new 'eVisa' system.
The New Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Carbon Dioxide Emission Performance Standards) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend existing UK legislation concerning carbon dioxide emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles.
The amendments correct errors, update references to reporting periods from 2019 to 2020, clarify definitions related to vehicle registration, and transfer responsibilities from the European Commission to the UK Secretary of State.
The changes aim to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and operational effectiveness of the regulatory framework while maintaining the UK's commitment to reducing carbon emissions from the automotive sector.
The Online Safety (CSEA Content Reporting by Regulated User-to-User Service Providers) Regulations 2025
These regulations mandate that UK online service providers of regulated user-to-user services report child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSEA) content to the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Providers must register with the NCA, designating an organisation administrator and potentially an authorised person for reporting.
The regulations specify the information to be included in reports, their formatting, submission methods (API or manual), and urgency levels based upon risk assessment.
Data retention requirements for both CSEA content and associated user data are also outlined.
The Online Safety Act 2023 (Commencement No. 5) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective November 3rd, 2025, implement parts of the Online Safety Act 2023 in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
They mandate that providers of regulated user-to-user services report Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA) content to the National Crime Agency (NCA), establishing related offenses and outlining reporting processes.
The regulations also specify the commencement date for several other Act provisions related to CSEA reporting, information offences, and transparency reports, all within the context of regulated user-to-user services.
The Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2025
The Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2025, effective April 6th, 2025, amend the 2001 Social Security (Contributions) Regulations.
Specifically, they modify the reporting requirements for Real Time Information (RTI) employers.
The amendment clarifies that employers must report earnings information to HMRC unless employee earnings fall below either the lower earnings limit or the secondary threshold, whichever is lower.
This ensures consistent reporting even when the secondary threshold is below the lower earnings limit.
A Tax Information and Impact Note was deemed unnecessary due to the absence of substantive tax policy changes.
The REACH Fees and Charges (Amendment of Commission Regulation (EC) No 340/2008) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend fees payable to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the UK REACH regulations.
The amendments adjust various fees across multiple annexes (Annex 1-7) of the overarching REACH regulation, which sets fees for chemical registrations and authorisations.
The adjustments consider changes in the consumer price index and HSE administrative costs.
The changes affect fees for different sized businesses and different applications and differ in their variations
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (CMA Consumer Enforcement Rules) Regulations 2025
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (CMA Consumer Enforcement Rules) Regulations 2025, effective April 6th, 2025, approve the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) rules for enforcing consumer protection laws.
These rules cover procedural matters, including investigations, representations, document inspection, procedural complaints, settlements, and notification of decisions.
The regulations apply to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and the CMA developed these rules following consultations.
The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025
The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025 designates numerous central government bodies as 'designated bodies' for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.
This designation is for their inclusion in the supply estimates and resource accounts of their respective government departments.
The order covers various government departments and agencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
It is based on powers granted by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 and includes consultations with devolved administrations.
The Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Civil Penalty Code of Practice) Order 2025
The Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Civil Penalty Code of Practice) Order 2025 establishes a revised code of practice for sanctions related to non-compliance with biometric registration regulations, effective March 27, 2025.
The revision facilitates a transition from physical to digital immigration documents and was preceded by public consultation.
The order applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The Online Safety Act 2023 (Category 1, Category 2A and Category 2B Threshold Conditions) Regulations 2025
These regulations, made under the Online Safety Act 2023, define threshold conditions for categorizing online services as Category 1, 2A, or 2B. Category 1 applies to user-to-user services exceeding certain user numbers and using content recommender systems or offering content sharing functionalities.
Category 2A applies to search engines exceeding user number thresholds except those focusing exclusively on specified topics.
Category 2B covers user-to-user services with high user numbers supporting direct messaging functionalities.
The regulations stipulate how to calculate average monthly active UK users to determine category fit and came into force the day after enactment.
The Space Industry (Licence Exemption for Military Activities of Allies) Regulations 2025
The Space Industry (Licence Exemption for Military Activities of Allies) Regulations 2025 exempt authorized personnel from allied armed forces, international military organizations, and related entities from needing operator or range control licenses for sub-orbital spaceflight activities conducted for national security purposes.
These exemptions apply when activities originate from Crown land, land controlled by His Majesty's forces, or specific ships or platforms in UK territorial waters.
The regulations were created under the Space Industry Act 2018, following public consultation and parliamentary approval, and also amend the Space Industry Regulations 2021.
The Gambling Act 2005 (Operating Licence Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the Gambling Act 2005 (Operating Licence Conditions) Regulations 2007 to introduce maximum stake limits for online slots games.
The maximum stake is £2 for individuals under 25 and £5 for those 25 and over.
A six-week transitional period applies, and the Secretary of State must review the regulations within five years, publishing a report on the findings.
The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (Security Requirements for Relevant Connectable Products) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the 2023 Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Regulations.
Key changes include clarifying the required information on minimum security update periods for manufacturers and adding exceptions to the definition of 'relevant connectable products' for certain types of vehicles found in Great Britain.
The exemptions mirror existing exceptions for Northern Ireland, reflecting a commitment to regulatory alignment and alignment with international trade obligations.
The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025
The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025 designates numerous public and local government bodies to provide financial information to the Treasury for the 2024-2025 financial year.
This data is used to compile the Whole of Government Accounts, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.
The Order came into force on March 18, 2025, and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The Treasury consulted with Welsh Ministers where deemed appropriate.
The Income and Corporation Taxes (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Income and Corporation Taxes (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective March 11, 2025, amend the 2003 Regulations.
Key changes include removing an outdated definition, broadening the regulations to encompass penalties under the Finance Act 2021, and adding new provisions specifying conditions for valid electronic information delivery.
These amendments aim to improve efficiency, clarify procedures, and modernize tax communication processes.
The Media Act 2024 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the Media Act 2024 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2024 by revoking a saving provision related to community and small-scale radio.
This action streamlines legislation and ensures consistency with the Community Radio Order 2025, which addresses the relevant amendments made by the Media Act 2024.
The regulations come into force on April 1st, 2025.
The Community Radio Order 2025
The Community Radio Order 2025, effective April 1, 2025, consolidates and amends existing legislation governing community radio in the UK. It defines community radio services, focusing on their non-commercial, community-beneficial nature and the obligations on licensees, such as promoting social gain and accountability to the served community.
The order modifies relevant sections of the Broadcasting Act 1990 and the Communications Act 2003, revokes previous related orders, and includes transitional provisions for existing licences.
The focus is on fostering participation from community members, and ensuring that services are provided primarily for social gain.
The Environmental Permitting (Electricity Generating Stations) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The regulations establish new requirements for electricity generating stations in England to demonstrate their readiness for future decarbonisation through either carbon capture and storage (CCS) or hydrogen conversion.
Operators must submit detailed technical and economic feasibility assessments when applying for environmental permits, proving they can meet specific conditions for either CCS readiness or hydrogen conversion readiness.
The regulations replace existing Carbon Capture Readiness requirements and extend to both inland and territorial waters adjacent to England.
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Burghfield) (Emergency) (Revocation) Regulations 2025
These regulations revoke the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Burghfield) (Emergency) Regulations 2024, which imposed temporary restrictions on unmanned aircraft flights near Burghfield.
The Secretary of State determined that the emergency justifying these restrictions has ended, and the revocation is in the public interest.
The regulations came into force immediately upon signing on February 11th, 2025.
The Communications (Television Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Communications (Television Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 implements changes to UK television license fees effective April 1, 2025.
The regulations increase the standard color TV license fee from £169.50 to £174.50 and the black and white license fee from £57.00 to £58.50.
Various installment payment schemes are adjusted accordingly, with updates to premium, budget, easy entry, and simple payment plans.
The regulations apply across the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, with certain provisions for specific territories.