UK law
Ofcom investigates online forums hosting image-based sexual abuse
Ofcom has launched an investigation into whether the provider of two online image boards has failed to comply with duties to protect people in the UK from illegal content. Due to the nature of these sites, Ofcom has decided not to name them or their provider. It is investigating if the provider of these sites has failed to comply with its duties under the Act to conduct a suitable and sufficient illegal content risk assessment; to use proportionate measures to prevent individuals encountering priority illegal content; to use proportionate systems and processes to minimise the length of time priority illegal content is present; to swiftly take down illegal content when it becomes aware of it; to specify in its terms of service how individuals are to be protected from illegal content; and to operate content reporting and complaints procedures in relation to illegal content. It will provide an update on this investigation as soon as possible.
UK government consults on digital ID
The government is seeking views on a proposed national digital ID system for British and Irish citizens and foreign nationals with permission to be in the UK. The new digital ID aims to be a convenient way for people to prove who they are; be secure and put people more in control of their data; offer everyone eligible access to an inclusive ID, without up-front charges, and to help government to reduce bureaucracy and facilitate efficient, and responsive public services. The consultation ends on 5 May 2026.
Personalised medicine and AI inquiry launched
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee is launching an inquiry into innovation in the NHS, with a focus on personalised medicine and AI. Advances in artificial intelligence and genomics offer the prospect of developing truly personalised medicine across prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The Committee’s inquiry will seek to use personalised medicine and AI as examples to examine why the NHS adoption of the UK’s life sciences innovations often fails, and what could be done to fix it.
CAP issues enforcement notice on disclosure of loot boxes in mobile game app store listings
The Committee of Advertising Practice has issued an enforcement notice requiring clear and prominent disclosure of loot boxes in certain mobile game app store listings. The disclosure must be placed where it will be seen quickly (for example, at the top of the “About this game” section or equivalent). Businesses must not rely on consumers scrolling through lengthy descriptions or expanding sections to find the information. In addition, they should not rely solely on generic labels such as “offers in-app purchases”, which are unlikely to make clear that purchases may include loot boxes. The Advertising Standards Authority will begin actively monitoring compliance from 26 May 2026, followed by targeted enforcement action where necessary.
UK government issues fraud strategy 2026-2029
The UK government has issued its fraud strategy which sets out how the government will combat fraud against individuals and businesses over the period 2026 to 2029. The strategy is split into three pillars: disrupt, safeguard and respond. Among other things, the government is setting up an Online Crime Centre and will collaborate with the telecommunications, online and financial services sectors to deliver interventions that address their vulnerability to criminal exploitation. It will also support specialist cyber resilience centres, to provide advice to businesses on how to improve their resistance to fraud.
Response to consultation on Online Procedure Rules issued
The Online Procedure Rule Committee (OPRC) is responsible, under the provisions of the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022, for making rules for online procedure in the civil, family and tribunals jurisdictions. These rules are to be for specific kinds of online proceedings, as agreed by Parliament. It consulted on the first Online Procedure Rules to be made by the OPRC. It has now published its response. Responses indicated broad support for the objectives of the draft Rules: to create simple, accessible and effective Online Procedure Rules that promote fair, proportionate and efficient digital justice. Respondents emphasised several key areas for refinement, including integration with existing procedural frameworks, strong digital‑inclusion measures, clarity on service and hearing mechanics, careful use of language around dispute resolution and transparent governance of pilot schemes. The OPRC will consider these points as it continues to develop the Rules and supporting materials for publication.
Review of design right protection in the UK published
A review of design right protection in the UK has been published. It says that an effective IP system should lead to bona fide creative activity that would not have happened in its absence, but also to balancing the interests of creators or originators against those of followers and consumers. The system should also be adaptable, to provide protection and incentives to new areas of creativity (such as digital designs). It shoudl also be able to take advantage of any advances in technology, such as low-cost digital storage, and in the use of artificial intelligence to search and compare images. The review suggests encouraging the registration of designs, addressing registration abuse to effectively discourage it, simplification and improved communication of unregistered design rights and infringement and enforcement. The UK government will publish its response to its 2025 consultation later this year. This report was written before the consultation, but only published this year.
EU law
Gatekeepers publish updated reports on DMA compliance
The gatekeepers designated on 6 September 2023, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft, have submitted reports on their updated compliance measures under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), outlining the changes they have implemented and measures they have taken during the past year. The gatekeepers also submitted to the Commission updated independently audited reports on consumer profiling techniques. The Commission will undertake a detailed analysis of the reports and evaluate the effectiveness of the updated compliance measures in achieving the goals of the relevant DMA obligations.
EU and Canada launch negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement
Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, and Canada’s Minister for International Trade Maninder Sidhu launched negotiations for an EU-Canada Digital Trade Agreement. The Agreement will aim to create a safe online environment with protections for personal data and privacy, and protect against unsolicited commercial messages. This is aimed at boosting consumer confidence and assurance in digital transactions. In addition, the plan is that it will enhance legal certainty for businesses by promoting paperless trade; ensure the validity of electronic signatures, contracts and invoices; and prohibit customs duties on electronic transmissions for more efficient and predictable digital transactions. Finally, it aims to promote fair digital trade by prohibiting unjustified data localisation requirements and forced transfers of software source code, thereby protecting businesses from protectionist practices and fostering confidence in digital markets.
Commission clears acquisition of ABB Robotics by SoftBank
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of ABB Robotics Holdco 1 Ltd of Switzerland by SoftBank Group Corp of Japan. The transaction relates primarily to the manufacturing and servicing of robotic technologies. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies’ limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
