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] In 2026, the legal AI landscape will definitely shift from experimenting with standalone agents and solutions to embedding them directly into legal and contract workflow systems where governance and auditability are architectural requirements rather than afterthoughts. Artificial Lawyer
• [New] By the end of 2026, we could see more organizations integrating self-executing AI agents into workflows to automate document review, legal research, and case management. Artificial Lawyer
• [New] A foundation model company (e.g., OpenAI or Anthropic) might focus on legal, either via acquisition or building themselves from scratch (i.e., launching a legal-tuned offering with features built for specific legal workflows, appropriate integrations, and compelling data governance). Artificial Lawyer
• [New] What definitely will not happen in 2026 is legal departments continuing to pay premium prices for generic AI layered on top of public models. Artificial Lawyer
• [New] In 2026, AI-native legal tech companies that are essentially selling LLM wrappers will come under intense pressure. Artificial Lawyer
• [New] Despite the rapid pace of innovation, 2026 will not be the year that legal AI replaces lawyers or operates without human oversight. Artificial Lawyer
• [New] Configurable, workflow-native automation could be a key differentiator for legal tech providers in 2026. Artificial Lawyer
• [New] In 2026, legal AI could reach a tipping point where it becomes the default productivity layer for many legal professionals, quietly embedded into everyday work rather than treated as a standalone tool. Artificial Lawyer
• [New] In 2026, agentic AI will become embedded in the core operating model of leading law firms, shifting legal AI from handling single actions to coordinated, multi-agent systems that handle complex workflows. Artificial Lawyer
• [New] Companies should expect more - not fewer - legislative and regulatory initiatives, building on existing AI legal frameworks (e.g., EU AI Act, Colorado AI Act) but also adding new dimensions and innovations. Connect On Tech
• [New] New data and cyber laws globally impose obligations on businesses to identify and manage third party risk. Connect On Tech
• [New] More enforcement actions will emerge under US state privacy regulations. Connect On Tech
• [New] Multinationals will need to make strategic decisions on short, medium, and long-term strategies in a world where criminal and civil liability, and other potentially severe legal consequences - beyond typical commercial data protection laws - can affect global business transfers and investments. Connect On Tech
• [New] Heading into 2026, the intersection of technology, regulation and geopolitical dynamics will continue to reshape the global data and cyber landscape. Connect On Tech
• [New] By the end of 2026, over 30 states will have privacy legislation. mePrism
• [New] Following the GENIUS Act, which brought new rules for stablecoins to the US in 2025, the CLARITY Act is now set to introduce further and, above all, clearer laws for dealing with cryptocurrencies in 2026 - and has therefore been eagerly anticipated by the crypto sector for some time. Trending Topics
• [New] Expect 2026 to bring more harmonized global regulations that balance innovation with legal compliance. NASSCOM | The Official Community of Indian IT Industry
• [New] Democrats will introduce legislation to block tariffs against countries who oppose a takeover of Greenland. ABC News
• [New] In 2026, the race for AI-driven advantage will slam into a wall of legal reality. Techzine Global
• [New] Asbestos identification and management represents the most significant hazardous material consideration in NSW kitchen demolition, with legal requirements and health consequences making compliant approaches essential regardless of apparent cost implications that non-compliant methods might avoid. The Quote Yard
• [New] The European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act is expected to be phased in between 2025 and 2027, providing a clearer legal framework for AI and robotics deployment across member states. DIGITIMES Inc.
• [New] South Korea will finalize stablecoin regulations in Q1 2026, mandating 100% reserves and guaranteed user redemption rights. BeInCrypto

Last updated: 20 January 2026