Tom Evans

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On June 19, 2025, the UK Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 was enacted, marking the culmination of a lengthy legislative process aimed at reshaping aspects of the country’s data protection regime. First proposed in 2021 as part of a government strategy titled, “Data: a new direction,” the legislation has undergone several rounds of revision since its initial introduction. Its passage reflects the UK’s desire to diverge, in measured ways, from the EU’s approach to data regulation in the post-Brexit landscape.Continue Reading UK Introduces New Legislation Amending Privacy Laws

On May 13, 2025, the European Commission (EC) published draft guidelines on the protection of minors online. The guidelines outline the proposed measures that the EC expects online platforms accessible to minors to take to protect minors’ privacy, safety, and security in line with requirements under the Digital Services Act (DSA).Continue Reading EU Commission Launches DSA Consultation on the Protection of Minors Online

On April 24, 2025, the UK’s Office of Communications, commonly known as Ofcom—the regulator responsible for enforcing the UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA)—issued its Protecting Children from Harm Online Statement. The statement requires online services to conduct and document a children’s risk assessment in accordance with the OSA by July 24, 2025. Services will be required to implement measures to protect children from content that is harmful to them by July 25, 2025.Continue Reading The UK’s Online Child Safety Duties Are Coming into Force: Steps to Take Now

On March 27, 2025, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) announced a fine of 3 million GBP (3.9 million USD) against a software provider (the company) for security deficiencies following a ransomware incident (e.g., lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA)). This is the first time the ICO has fined a processor under the UK’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This post provides an overview of the decision and outlines the key points companies should consider, including the security measures the ICO expects them to implement.Continue Reading UK Regulator Issues Three Million GBP Monetary Penalty in Connection with Ransomware Attack

On February 11, 2025, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) adopted a statement (Statement) on age assurance. The Statement comes at a formative time in the development of age assurance practices, as EU and UK regulatory frameworks increasingly require companies to take steps to identify and protect child users of online services. The Statement outlines key privacy principles that should be followed when developing and deploying age assurance processes, together with the risks to individuals’ rights that can arise.Continue Reading European Privacy Regulators Issue Guidance on Age Assurance

On January 14, 2025, the UK government unveiled a proposed framework aimed at combating the rise of ransomware attacks by implementing a payment prevention and reporting regime. This would require companies to not only report all ransomware incidents, but also to declare whether they intend to pay a ransom. The government also announced that it proposes to ban public bodies and infrastructure providers from making ransom payments to cyber attackers. A public consultation is open until April 8, 2025.Continue Reading Ransomware Attacks: UK Government Proposes Ransom Payment Ban and Mandatory Notification Requirements