UK Knowledge Collection | Real estate reform, children's online safety, and high-risk classification under the EU AI Act
Published on 19th June 2026
Welcome to this week's Knowledge Collection
The built environment sector in England is facing change from numerous directions, from sweeping residential renters' reform to a ban on upward only rent reviews in commercial leases, uncertainty around energy efficiency standards, new transparency requirements for developers, evolving building safety rules and planning modernisation. Our Insight offers a look ahead to what the sector can expect this year as reforms are implemented, and our webinar next month considers the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act in detail.
This week, the UK government announced a package of measures intended to boost children's online safety, alongside its progress statement on the "Growing up in the online world" consultation which it ran in March. Our Insight considers the proposal, which extends further than a social media ban but leaves much detail still to be ascertained, including the services in scope, the age assurance technologies to be used and how Ofcom will enforce the regime.
The European Commission has opened a consultation on the classification of "high-risk" AI systems under the AI Act, to accompany its draft guidelines. Our Insight explores the boundaries of the classification, as it appears that more AI systems are likely to be in scope of the high-risk regime than a plain reading of the AI Act would indicate. Businesses may wish to respond to the consultation where they are affected. It closes on 23 July.
Recent Insights
What does the second half of 2026 have in store for the commercial real estate sector in England?
Occupiers, investors, developers and lenders face a wave of legal change across multiple fronts, including commercial leasehold rent review restrictions, building safety law, planning reforms and energy efficiency.
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English court upholds rare challenge to arbitration award
The English Commercial Court has upheld a challenge to an international arbitration award, finding that two key issues put to the tribunal were never addressed.
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Law Commission explores new class actions regime for consumer law claims in England and Wales
The Law Commission is inviting stakeholders to respond to an initial scoping questionnaire, seeking views on the risks and benefits of an opt-out consumer class actions regime and the features to be included within it.
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UK under-16s social media ban brings comprehensive curbs on a wide range of online services
The proposed ban targets platforms enabling social interaction and algorithmic content, but not messaging apps.
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European Commission publishes draft AI Act guidelines on high-risk classification and targeted consultation
The draft guidelines interpret the high-risk conformity assessment test broadly, capturing more AI systems in regulated products than businesses may have previously assumed.
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Events
Annual Data Forum
23 June | One London Wall | 08:30-13:00
7 July | Halo, Bristol | 13:00-18:30
Our annual Data Forum returns to our London and Bristol offices, including updates on automated decision-making, DSARs, cyber security obligations, regulators' enforcement priorities in the EU and UK, and developments in protecting children online.
Register now for London | Register now for Bristol
Pensions Coffee Break: inheritance tax and pensions
25 June | Webinar | 11:00-11:30
From 6 April 2027, where a member of a registered pension scheme dies, some or all of the benefits paid by the scheme following their death may form part of their estate for inheritance tax purposes. Our experts will recap the current position, what is changing and how trustees and employers can prepare.
Register now >
The latest in advertising law
30 June | One London Wall | 09:00-11:30
Our specialist advertising law team will discuss recent developments, cases and regulatory activity, and what they mean for business compliance.
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Renters' Rights Act: staying ahead in a changing landscape
9 July | Webinar | 09:30-10:30
A practical assessment of what is in force and what is to come as the Act is implemented, relevant for private landlords of residential property, purpose-built student accommodation operators or portfolio investors. The session includes section 13 rent reviews, possession claims, occupation agreements in Wales and actions to prioritise.
Register now >
