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] A law change that has been passed through parliament is the Automated Vehicles Act, which was rubber-stamped in May and will allow fully autonomous vehicles to drive themselves on British roads alongside us soft meat-bags. Bennetts BikeSocial Membership
• [New] The Trump administration will reverse a rule that makes it harder for businesses to misclassify construction workers and others as independent contractors, often to skirt overtime and other laws. The Guardian
• [New] Trump's support of a strategic Bitcoin reserve during his former presidency combined with possible laws supporting cryptocurrencies might hasten acceptance and raise prices. Crypto News Flash
• [New] Fears over greenwashing in recent years have led regulators in the US, UK and Europe to implement new rules over what funds can call themselves. Financial Times
• [New] If a cyber incident occurs, the Coast Guard believes that the minimum cybersecurity requirements will mitigate its impact on firms, and regulated entities, and the U.S. economy, and create the intended benefits for the regulated entities. Federal Register
• [New] With new legislation and noteworthy policies on sci-tech and innovation expected in 2025, businesses are hoping the right moment to start new initiatives will be near. https://vir.com.vn/
• [New] If the U.S. regulatory framework becomes a patchwork of state regulations, then other global jurisdictions will not have a regulatory framework that they can readily benchmark against, thereby potentially slowing the development of regulatory frameworks for certain SMRs across the globe. JD Supra
• [New] President-elect Trump's threats to swiftly implement a policy of mass deportation for immigrants in the United States without legal status, as well as end programs that provide lawful temporary protected status for many immigrants, are inhumane. The Equation
• [New] In the upcoming months, the US Treasury Department is anticipated to release regulations outlining the requirements for hydrogen suppliers to be eligible for a $3 per kilogramme subsidy under the Inflation Reduction Act. The Pulse
• [New] With the incoming Trump administration signaling its intent to limit California's ability to regulate mobile sources, air districts will likely be incentivized to find creative ways to indirectly regulate mobile sources within their districts. National Law Review
• [New] While PCI DSS has established a baseline of requirements to protect sensitive payments information, organizations will face a barrage of new regulation and legislation to address the payment security risks, cybercrime and fraud inherent in our increasingly digital world. Ground Labs
• [New] The complexity of U.S. immigration law requires careful planning to ensure compliance and avoid disrupting professional opportunities. Headshots NYC
• [New] A lack of digital skills across the UK could be a risk for consumers and law firms if lawyers do not fully understand the new technology that is implemented. Legal Futures
• [New] The US will get more state privacy laws, but no federal privacy law In an unsurprising development, most pundits agree that the United States' chances of finally achieving a comprehensive federal privacy law are slim to none in 2025. Anonyome Labs
• [New] The intensification of domestic and international regulations that aim to improve the sustainability of economic activity will create both challenges and opportunities for Thai businesses. krungsri.com
• [New] Employers may expect to see reduced federal regulation of AI under the Trump administration and a rollback of certain Biden-era policies. Moreton
• [New] Policy and regulation challenges: Governments may need to revisit policies and regulations to accommodate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by satellite internet providers like Starlink. PC Tech Magazine
• [New] The rapid evolution of lawtech that will take place in 2025 will reshape the work of legal departments and law firms in many profound ways. The Loyal Nigerian Lawyer
• [New] The need for legal departments, law firms and professionals to audit the use of AI in their operations, to make sure it's being used responsibly, will grow in 2025. The Loyal Nigerian Lawyer
• [New] If the U.S. further reduces data privacy requirements for companies, EU regulators could require global companies to relocate servers. MedCity News
• The EU AI Act is the first ever legal framework on artificial intelligence (AI), which addresses the risks of AI and positions Europe to play a leading role globally. Croner-i
• Relevant legislation has boosted the confidence of related companies in opting for continued investment and will encourage automakers to increase investment, accelerate technological iterations, and continuously enhance the consumer experience. Macau Business

Last updated: 21 January 2025