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 summary, while China is welcoming travelers as never before, the current landscape requires that listeners take health, safety, and legal risks seriously and remain informed about the latest travel advisories before and during their journey. Podtail
• [New] Federal regulators like the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) have warned they will use existing laws to punish egregious privacy violations by AI (for instance, if an AI chatbot leaks sensitive user info, the FTC could view it as an unfair or deceptive practice). Tax Shark
• [New] Developments in cybersecurity, data governance, and other digital regulations, will, in form at least, be familiar to Chinese legal frameworks. Cambridge Core
• [New] Ecuador's parliament has approved a new law on protected areas that has drawn sharp criticism from Indigenous groups, legal experts and environmental advocates who say it threatens Indigenous land rights and violates both national and international protections. ICT News
• [New] The implications of launching Tesla's robotaxi service extend beyond technology and regulation; they encapsulate economic, social, and competitive factors that will shape the future of urban mobility. OpenTools
• [New] The EU is trampling over Palestinian rights and risks breaching international law, over an energy deal signed with Israel to bring more gas to Europe, a campaign group has said. The Guardian
• [New] With increasing cyber threats and stricter regulations like the Indian DPDP Act (Digital Personal Data Protection), web security is a top priority in 2025. Highzeal.com
• [New] By 2026, all carriers will be required to report container losses under new International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations. BeeOnTrade
• [New] Most of the debate around vaping products in Germany focuses on disposable vaping products, which is why we expect them to be brought under strict regulations or even a blanket ban in the next few years. ECigIntelligence
• [New] The UK's Financial Services Centre of Expertise will partner with financial regulators across ASEAN. IFC Review
• [New] As organizations increase their maturity and take OT security more seriously, they are doing more to plan for changes in regulations and compliance. Industrial Cyber
• [New] Commercializing autonomous vehicles has been harder than anticipated with high costs, tight regulations and investigations forcing many, including General Motors' GM. Carrier Management
• [New] Governments worldwide are grappling with the opportunities and risks posed by smart contracts, leading to a patchwork of laws that complicate compliance on a global scale. How Smart Contract Certifications Ensure Compliance
• [New] Although patients with criminal legal system involvement have among the highest rates of suicide, the model that identifies patients at high risk of suicide at the United States Veterans Health Administration does not include predictors specific to criminal legal system involvement. Nature
• [New] By using non-lethal force, U.S. personnel can enforce laws and maintain order while respecting human rights and minimizing the potential for injury or death. MilitarySpot.com
• [New] Homeowners will lose tax credits for installing solar panels at the end of the year, seven years earlier than under the previous law. The Conversation
• [New] The Victorian Government has announced a suite of regulations which will continue the work of significantly reducing the use of fossil gas statewide for rentals, newly built privately owned homes and newly built commercial buildings including schools and hospitals. Friends of the Earth Melbourne
• [New] Vietnam will offer attractive incentives for digital technology companies, including foreign investors under a new law starting in 2026. Bernama
• [New] The EU Forced Labour Regulations, set to take effect in 2027, will directly target forced labour by banning products linked to child labour, requiring companies to identify and eliminate any form of child labour from their supply chains. texfash.com
• [New] For foreign firms operating in the UK, the FCA expects compliance with UK Regulations for all business relationships within the UK. FinExtra
• [New] The Foreign Secretary is today announcing that the UK's Financial Services Centre of Expertise will help financial regulators across ASEAN access expertise from the Financial Conduct Authority. GOV.UK
• [New] National Hair & Beauty Federation applauds reclassification of popular treatments as lower-risk procedures and welcomes the Scottish Government's decision to reclassify several popular procedures following its consultation on the regulation and licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. National Hair & Beauty Federation

Last updated: 15 July 2025