USA
Governors discuss artificial intelligence risks and regulatory priorities
At the National Governors Association’s annual Winter Meeting, governors discussed AI’s risks and regulatory priorities with tech pioneer Marc Andreessen. Without federal regulations, states are leading in setting policies to leverage AI benefits and mitigate risks. The conversation, moderated by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, explored using AI to enhance state government efficiency and its potential impact on the workforce. Andreessen advocated for regulating AI uses rather than the technology itself, emphasizing the importance of addressing actual issues without stifling innovation. Governors from multiple states shared insights on implementing effective AI policies. Read more on the National Governors Association website.
NIST releases Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, its first major update since 2014, designed to support organizations across all sectors, enhancing inclusivity and the breadth of applications. This update introduces a new “Govern” function to the existing framework, expanding its utility in risk management, communication, and integration into broader organizational strategies. Supplementary resources, including Quick Start Guides and success stories, provide practical insights for implementation. Read more at Government Technology.
Recent regulatory announcements confirm increased scrutiny of “AI-washing”
Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), are intensifying scrutiny of “AI-washing” — the practice of making unfounded claims about a company’s AI capabilities. Recent actions, such as enforcement against misleading AI-related investment opportunities, signal a crackdown on deceptive practices. This includes an SEC case involving fraudulent AI claims in cryptocurrency investments and a DOJ statement on the potential for harsher penalties when AI misuse significantly enhances the danger of offenses. Companies are advised to accurately represent their AI capabilities to avoid regulatory scrutiny. Read more on the White & Case website.
The vital importance of working in partnership with other regulators – An interview with MHRA’s CEO Dr. June Raine
In an interview, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority’s (MHRA) CEO Dr. June Raine emphasized the critical role of international collaboration among regulatory bodies post-Brexit, outlining MHRA’s vision and strategic objectives. She highlighted the agency’s focus on maintaining public trust, enabling access to innovative medical products, ensuring regulatory and scientific excellence, and fostering a supportive environment for staff. Dr. Raine also discussed new regulatory procedures and the importance of adapting to technological advancements in healthcare. Read more on the FDA’s website.
Canada
Calls for more tower crane safety after death of Vancouver worker
Following the death of a construction worker caused by a falling crane load in Vancouver, there’s an urgent call for enhanced tower crane safety regulations. The victim, Yuridia Flores, a mother from Mexico, died at the Oakridge redevelopment site, marking the third recent tower crane incident in Metro Vancouver. These events have prompted demands for better training and mandatory licensing for crane operators. The provincial labor minister has acknowledged the issue, promising regulatory reforms and collaboration with unions to prioritize workplace safety. Read more at the CBC.
Ottawa to create regulator to hold online platforms accountable for harmful content: sources
The Canadian government plans to introduce the Online Harms Act, which will establish a new regulator to hold online platforms accountable for harmful content. This act aims to create a digital safety office, separate from the CRTC, to enforce a “duty to reduce harm” among Canadian websites. The legislation, inspired by the EU’s Digital Services Act, also proposes an ombudsperson to address public concerns about online material. The focus is on protecting children and youth online, with privacy concerns raised about age verification methods for accessing pornographic content. Read more at the CBC.
Canadian government hiking cannabis regulatory fees in April
Starting April 1, the Canadian government will increase eight regulatory fees related to the cannabis industry, aligning with Canada’s inflation rate of 4.4%. These adjustments include fees for license application screenings for micro-cultivation, standard cultivation, nursery, micro-processing, standard processing, medical cannabis sales, security clearance, and import/export permits. This measure aims to cover the costs of regulating the legal cannabis sector, despite challenges with unpaid fees by some operators in the past fiscal year. Read more at MJBizDaily.
UK / EU
Transforming data management to meet regulatory compliance unlocks wider business benefits
Transforming data management to meet regulatory compliance not only addresses legal requirements but also unlocks significant business advantages. Financial institutions can improve efficiency, client engagement, collaboration, and innovation by effectively managing vast amounts of data. This approach enables better visibility into trading activities, risk management, and inter-departmental coordination. Additionally, it positions firms to leverage data for growth and efficiency, turning the challenge of compliance into an opportunity for strategic advantage. Read more at International Banker.
Streamers will not be regulated fully in UK for another two years
UK streamer regulation by Ofcom, under the Media Bill, will not be fully implemented for two years. This period will include roundtable discussions, a VoD market report, and drafting a regulation code. Affected streamers, identified as ‘Tier 1 services’ will have a year-long grace period to comply fully, starting from 2026. The Media Bill aims to protect children and align streaming standards with traditional TV and faces criticism and support from platforms like Netflix. Additionally, the bill will introduce broadcaster prominence laws and allow Channel 4 to produce its own shows. Read more at Deadline.
Conflict of interest row greets new boss of watchdog for City regulators
The appointment of Rachel Kent as the head of the City regulators’ watchdog by the Treasury has sparked controversy due to potential conflicts of interest. Kent will continue part-time as a senior consultant at Hogan Lovells while serving as the financial regulators’ complaints commissioner. Critics, including Positive Money, argue this dual role could compromise her ability to independently handle complaints against financial regulators due to her ongoing advisory work for government and financial services through Hogan Lovells. The Treasury, however, defends her appointment, highlighting her extensive experience and the measures taken to address conflicts of interest. Read more at The Guardian.
World
Historic Memorandum of Understanding signed between IAMRA and the World Health Organization
The International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on strategic projects and goals for improving global health workforce regulation. This partnership focuses on identifying research gaps, incorporating regulatory perspectives, providing technical support, and facilitating participation from low and middle-income countries in IAMRA’s global meetings. The MoU aims to enhance medical regulation worldwide, ensuring safe and competent healthcare delivery. Read the press release.
Experts suggest regulatory review to boost fintechs, ease compliance burden
Experts suggest a regulatory review to boost fintechs and ease their compliance burden, emphasizing the need for regulatory policies to evolve with the fintech sector’s growth. This would support financial inclusion and product penetration. The industry seeks a balanced approach to foster innovation without stifling growth, with calls for transparent policies, a focus on consumer protection, and tailored regulations that accommodate the unique needs of technology-led sectors. Additionally, there’s an advocacy for light-touch licensing and the use of regulatory sandboxes to encourage compliance and governance standards. Read more at Business Standard.
Other News:
- The Ontario government has proposed two regulatory amendments regarding teacher assignments to enable principals to assign teachers outside their qualifications in specific cases, and proficiency in mathematics, seeking feedback on the Mathematics Proficiency Test administration and requirements following its constitutional validation.
- Reddit’s IPO filing gives insight into its treasury holdings of crypto assets like bitcoin and ether and reflects its compliance strategies and considerations regarding evolving crypto regulations and accounting principles.
- The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggests Congress take a more active role in regulatory oversight by considering the creation of a new regulatory entity, revising existing review processes, and altering oversight functions to address systemic risks and improve cost-benefit analyses, while ensuring the accountability and effectiveness of regulatory measures.
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx received a historic $1 billion donation from Dr. Ruth Gottesman, ensuring free tuition for all its students moving forward.
- Ontario’s Divisional Court upheld a suspension against a chiropodist for professional misconduct, emphasizing the importance of adhering to disciplinary actions without circumvention.
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.
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