Introduction Old problem, new skins? The issue of how best to regulate and protect individuals in dynamic and hostile online environments is not a new one. Indeed, the issue of how to deter and punish human beings in relation to harmful and offensive communications, has plagued humanity since the dawn of speech. The metaverse – …
Law Society says that legal sector must play an integral role in the advancement and regulation of AI
The Law Society has responded to the UK government’s White Paper on the regulation of AI. In that response, it has highlighted the important role that the legal profession plays in the advancement of responsible technologies, as well as in implementing standards and regulation. Its key recommendations include: the UK government should introduce a blend…
This Week’s Techlaw News Round-Up
UK law UK government makes more amendments to Online Safety Bill regarding image-based abuse New amendments to the Online Safety Bill have been proposed by the government on image based abuse. These will amend the law so that prosecution no longer needs to prove that perpetrators shared sexual images or films to cause distress. The…
Cryptocurrency as property: the latest from the Hong Kong courts
The question of the decade, “what is cryptocurrency?” elicits many responses – not least from lawyers. England, New Zealand and Canada and other courts in common law jurisdictions have broadly established that cryptocurrencies can be treated as a form of property for different purposes. The UK Jurisdiction Taskforce’s Legal Statement on Cryptoassets and Smart Contracts…
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EU Data Act finalised
The European Data Act has been finalised between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. It was originally proposed by the European Commission in February 2022. It says that it is needed because the full value of data in the European economy is not being reaped due to several factors. Key issues include…
Law Commission makes recommendations for reform and development of law on digital assets
The Law Commission of England and Wales has published recommendations for reform and development of the law relating to digital assets, including crypto-tokens (cryptocurrencies) and non-fungible tokens. They are increasingly used for an increasing variety of purposes, such as for investment, for making payments, and for linking or embodying debt and equity securities. The Commission…
CJEU says individuals have the right to know when and why people look at their personal information
The Court of Justice of the European Union has issued its ruling in Case C-579/21 | Pankki S. In 2014, an employee of the bank Pankki S who was also a customer, learnt that his colleagues had looked at his personal information on several occasions. He doubted that this was lawful. On 29 May 2018,…
European Commission sends Statement of Objections to Google over abusive practices in online advertising technology
The European Commission has informed Google that it believes that it has breached EU antitrust rules by distorting competition in the advertising technology industry (“adtech”). The Commission believes that Google favours its own online display advertising technology services to the detriment of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers. Google’s main source…
This Week’s Techlaw News Round-up
UK law High Court sets FRAND rates in Apple v Optis case Many SCL readers will be aware that Apple and Optis have been engaged in international litigation concerning Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) for some time. The High Court has ruled in Optis Cellular Technology LLC and others v Apple Retail UK Ltd and others…
European Commission publishes new Regulation on energy labelling of smartphones and slate tablets
The European Commission has proposed new rules which aim to help consumers make informed and sustainable choices when purchasing mobile and cordless phones, and tablets, under the existing EU Energy Labelling Regulation. The European Commission published its proposal on the same day as the European Parliament and Council approved measures to make these devices more…