UK/EU
Digital leaders and regulators to gather in Dublin
John Evans, the Digital Services Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, expressed concerns over the inadequacy of plans by online platforms to counter disinformation for the upcoming local and European elections. Speaking at the Digital Ireland Conference, Evans emphasized the need for robust electoral integrity measures and mentioned the lack of satisfactory responses from the platforms on their preparedness, as guided by the European Commission. He highlighted efforts to support safe political participation, especially for women, and the utilization of priority channels for public representatives to combat issues like ‘deepfakes.’ Read more at RTE.
UK rethinks AI legislation as alarm grows over potential risks
The UK is moving to draft new AI legislation that will potentially require developers of sophisticated AI models, like large language models, to share their algorithms with the government and demonstrate safety testing. This comes as the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority expresses concerns over the power of a few tech giants potentially monopolizing these technologies. The legislation aims to address risks such as built-in biases and the creation of harmful materials, while not stifling innovation in the burgeoning tech sector. Read more at the Financial Times.
Anti-fouling shipping regulation strengthens marine environment protections
The UK has strengthened marine environmental protections with new anti-fouling regulations set to take effect on May 10, 2024. These regulations, enforced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), prohibit the use of cybutryne in marine paints and continue the ban on harmful organotin compounds. The rules apply to all UK flagged ships and foreign ships in UK waters, aiming to minimize marine pollution and protect marine ecosystems globally. This initiative aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s amended convention on harmful anti-fouling systems on ships. Read more on the UK Government’s website.
The regulatory superpower next door
As the EU accelerates the finalization of critical legislation ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections, the UK finds itself compelled to align with these measures to maintain access to its largest export market. The new EU regulations will profoundly impact global business operations, emphasizing environmental sustainability, human rights, and fair labor practices. UK businesses must adhere to these regulations to avoid losing market reach, effectively making EU policies de facto standards within the UK due to its economic ties. Read more at the UK in a Changing Europe website.
TUC calls for AI to be regulated in the workplace
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) in the UK has urged for urgent legislation to regulate AI in workplaces, citing the rapid technological advancements that outpace current employment laws, potentially leading to worker exploitation and discrimination. The TUC proposes a legal framework that includes consulting trade unions on high-risk AI applications and protections against AI-based unfair dismissals. This initiative highlights the UK’s lag in regulating workplace AI compared to actions taken by the US, EU, China, and Canada. Read more at IrelandLive.
Canada
Regulation by objectives
Laval University Professors Popescu and Issalys conducted a study on regulating professions through objectives instead of prescriptive methods. The approach sets goals for regulatory compliance and allows professionals the freedom to achieve these goals in their own ways, rather than following strict legislative and regulatory directives. However, the study found that this method is generally less effective due to its vagueness and the challenges in measuring success, leading to recommendations for more standardized regulatory provisions. Read more on the SML website.
Stays just got harder to obtain
Securing a stay on regulatory decisions pending appeal has become more challenging. The courts require substantial evidence across three main areas: the seriousness of the issues on appeal, potential irreparable harm if the stay isn’t granted, and a balance of conveniences, weighing the registrant’s situation against the public interest. In the case of Platinum Cars Inc., the court denied a stay despite potential severe financial consequences, emphasizing the public interest due to the registrant’s history of non-compliance and ongoing ungovernability. Read more on the SML website.
USA
How SEC regs will change cryptocurrency markets
Following the collapse of major cryptocurrency platforms like FTX and BlockFi, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has intensified its regulatory and enforcement actions within the cryptocurrency market to combat fraud and market manipulation and enhance transparency. The SEC’s focus includes demanding more robust disclosures from crypto holders and exchanges, scrutinizing stablecoins, and increasing scrutiny on crypto exchanges to register as securities trading platforms. This heightened oversight aims to protect investors, maintain market integrity, and foster a safer investment environment in the rapidly evolving digital asset space. Read more at Investopedia.
U.S. Data Privacy Guide
The U.S. Data Privacy Guide by White & Case LLP highlights significant developments in state-level data privacy legislation following the introduction of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in 2019. As of 2024, 13 states including California, Virginia, and Colorado, have enacted comprehensive data privacy laws. These laws focus on enhancing consumer protections, regulating the collection and use of personal data, and specifying compliance requirements for businesses. The guide details individual state laws, recent enforcement actions, and implications for businesses navigating the evolving landscape of US data privacy regulations. Read more on the White & Case website.
Existing and proposed federal AI regulation in the United States
Across the United States, the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) involves both existing protocols and new proposals to manage the complexities introduced by these advanced technologies. Current regulations include export controls that limit the international distribution of sensitive technologies. Additionally, new legislative efforts are aiming to enhance oversight, particularly through executive orders that restrict foreign investments in crucial technological sectors. Agencies like the Department of the Treasury and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) are pivotal in shaping these frameworks, highlighting the government’s strategy to balance innovation with national security and public welfare. Read more on the Morgan Lewis website.
World
What an increase in regulatory powers could mean for competition in India and Japan
India and Japan are considering enhancing their regulatory frameworks to increase oversight of market competition. These changes would involve stricter examinations of business practices to prevent anti-competitive behaviors, which could place additional compliance requirements on companies. This shift aims to bring these countries into closer alignment with international competition laws, impacting both local and foreign enterprises operating in their markets. This move is seen as essential for protecting the integrity of their economic environments and ensuring fair competition. Read more on the Global Competition Review website.
Here’s the roadmap of India’s pioneering AI regulation
India is advancing its regulatory framework on artificial intelligence through the proposed Digital India Act, spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This pioneering regulation aims to establish guidelines that ensure AI technologies are used in a way that is safe, ethical, and beneficial to society. The Act will address various concerns associated with AI, such as privacy, bias, transparency, and accountability, setting a structured path for AI deployment and management within the country. Read more at CNBC.
Other news:
- India is set to introduce the Digital India Act, aimed at regulating AI technologies to ensure they are used ethically and safely, under the oversight of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- New data protection and privacy laws in the Global North have significantly altered the regulatory environment for researchers, imposing stricter controls and requiring more meticulous data management to ensure compliance with enhanced privacy standards.
Disclaimer: The thoughts, opinions, and commentary of the articles we share links to in Week in Brief do not necessarily reflect those of Ascend Magazine or Thentia.
IN BRIEF
Digital leaders gather in Dublin: Weekly regulatory news
The Week in Brief is your weekly snapshot of regulatory news and what's happening in the world of professional licensing, government technology, and public policy.
This week in regulatory news: Digital leaders and regulators to gather in Dublin, how SEC regs will change cryptocurrency markets, existing
and proposed federal AI regulation in the U.S., and more.
U.S. and UK sign agreement to test the safety of AI models: Weekly regulatory news
The Week in Brief is your weekly snapshot of regulatory news and what's happening in the world of professional licensing, government technology, and public policy.
This week in regulatory news: U.S. and UK sign agreement to test the safety of AI models, Coinbase secures Canadian registration even as U.S. regulatory troubles persist, lawyer who raised ‘boys’ club’ concerns over judgment accused of misconduct, and more.
Muted modernization for the regulation of BC legal practitioners: Weekly regulatory news
The Week in Brief is your weekly snapshot of regulatory news and what's happening in the world of professional licensing, government technology, and public policy.
This week in regulatory news: Muted modernization for the regulation of BC legal practitioners, federal agencies issue new warning about DDoS attacks, how Europe’s regulatory battle with Apple could signal what’s to come for American customers, and more.
European government announces plan for independent football regulator: Weekly regulatory news
The Week in Brief is your weekly snapshot of regulatory news and what's happening in the world of professional licensing, government technology, and public policy.
This week in regulatory news: UK’s plans for an independent Football Regulator, calls in Canada for regulation to protect young people from tobacco products, and Premier Doug Ford’s demands for the removal of regulatory barriers and the elimination of the carbon tax.
Scholar proposes a new US regulatory system that would be more accountable to the public: Weekly regulatory news
The Week in Brief is your weekly snapshot of regulatory news and what's happening in the world of professional licensing, government technology, and public policy.
This week in regulatory news: Scholar proposes a new US regulatory system that would be more accountable to the public, Hong Kong’s Central Bank starts regulatory sandbox for stablecoin issuers, EU parliament greenlights landmark artificial intelligence regulations, and more.
Alberta counsellors to become regulated under psychologists’ college in proposed changes – Weekly regulatory news
The Week in Brief is your weekly snapshot of regulatory news and what's happening in the world of professional licensing, government technology, and public policy.
This week in regulatory news: Alberta counsellors to become regulated under psychologists’ college in proposed changes, ICO takes regulatory action against five public authorities under the FOI Act, US executive order will address brokers’ sensitive data transfers to ‘countries of concern’, and more.
