Global Scans · Legal · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Substantive regulatory change is likely to happen in the next decade as a result of the recent U.S. Presidential election, Brexit and efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change, increase trade and reduce bureaucracy while legislating for new forms of technological advancement such as robots, driverless cars and drones.

• [New] Thames Water is facing a fresh threat to its survival after breaching pensions regulations, opening up the possibility of a costly probe. City AM
• [New] EU clinical trial data might be restricted by GDPR regulations, whereas US commercial datasets follow different compliance frameworks. Amazon Web Services
• [New] The Trump administration is working to create additional space for positive disruption in healthcare, which is laudable, although it may be doing so in some cases without due regard for what is allowable under current law. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] Europe will witness steady growth over the forecast period with a share of roughly 17.3% globally in 2026, as organizations must comply with some of the world's most comprehensive governance and compliance regulations. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region with a share of around 30.5%, as enterprises are rapidly digitalizing while governments are introducing superior cybersecurity, data protection, and AI governance regulations. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Data protection regulations continue expanding scope and enforcement mechanisms through 2030. Palo Alto Networks
• [New] New regulations include systemic risks posed by AI like chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, loss of control, cyber offence, harmful manipulation and threats to fundamental rights. Broadband Breakfast
• [New] Brussels aims to track the use of AI models for violations of its new regulations, like the publishing of sexually explicit material, fake photos and videos, and cyber threats to public infrastructure. Broadband Breakfast
• [New] The European Commission expects to roll out regulations requiring data center operators to meet minimum WUE performance standards per Zylos AI's energy research. AI Business Weekly
• [New] As global crypto regulation becomes increasingly defined, compliance capabilities will become a core factor in long-term industry success. ChainUP Trustformer KYT
• [New] In the United States, the SEC's Regulation Crypto safe harbour framework is expected to provide clearer compliance pathways for token issuance and blockchain projects. ChainUP Trustformer KYT
• [New] The EU AI Act, in force since 2024, is the first comprehensive AI regulation of its kind and is on a staggered compliance timeline running through 2027. Everything-PR News
• [New] The EU's upcoming methane regulations could disrupt oil and natural gas supplies to Europe. 3rd Methane Regulation & Emission Mitigation 2026
• [New] Between the anti-ESG pushback in the US causing companies to loosen their targets and cut headcount, and the EU actively watering down regulations that teams spent years pinning their hopes on, the old playbook has stalled. Week/End: Sustainable Fashion News
• [New] Faster progress will require aligned regulation, financial incentives, and clearer policy frameworks, with China, the EU, and the US emerging as leading markets. CNS Media
• [New] Delays in the implementation of the IA Regulation by Member States will force the European Commission to introduce simplification measures and practical adjustments during 2026. ECIJA
• [New] EU's BCI regulation emphasizes the supremacy of human rights; it issues legislation to establish a series of rights to protect users' psychological integrity, freedom of thought and neural data rights, thus achieving comprehensive control of medical BCI risks. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Regulation should focus on capability, risk and enforceable controls rather than model openness alone, while recognising that resilient institutions must adapt to a world where powerful AI tools are widely available. Mishcon de Reya LLP
• [New] The European Commission expects to roll out regulations requiring minimum WUE performance standards for data center operators. AI Business Weekly
• [New] European Union forced labour regulations due to go into effect later in 2027 are also contributing. / India WHEC.com
• [New] Regulatory Uncertainty: Lighter's token is classified as a utility token in most jurisdictions, but evolving regulations in the EU and US (SEC) could impact trading. BitcoinWorld Media
• [New] German law will, external require stricter reporting and licensing fees. BBC News
• [New] In August, a new Europe-wide packaging, external and packaging waste regulation kicks in ordering that all packaging should be minimum 70% recyclable by 2030, rising to 80% from 2038. BBC News

Last updated: 11 August 2026