UK Knowledge Collection | Regulatory Outlook, online safety, and advertising law
Published on 5th June 2026
Welcome to this week's Knowledge Collection
The Crime and Policing Act 2026, enacted on 29 April, introduces significant changes to corporate criminal liability for fraud and bribery offences, as well as amendments to the UK's online safety framework, and new fly-tipping and waste offences. Our Regulatory Outlook looks at these and other recent developments, including legislative intentions announced in the King's Speech.
Our digital regulation experts look more closely at the new duties imposed on regulated user-to-user services and regulated search services as the government expands the UK's online safety regime, and our data experts will discuss recent developments in protecting children online at the in-person Data Forums, to be held in our London office on 23 June and in Bristol on 7 July.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act was also enacted on 29 April. Alongside a prohibition on the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, it introduces certain restrictions on advertising and new offences. Our in-person update on advertising takes place in our London office later this month, and will cover this and other changes to the law and codes, and also discuss recent cases and regulatory activity.
Recent Insights
Regulatory Outlook
This month's edition includes the ICO's guidance on the use of storage and access technologies (previously its detailed cookie guidance), new cyber security guidance on cross-domain architecture from the National Cyber Security Centre, and new advertising offences under the Tobacco and Vapes Act.
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Tandem laws expand UK online safety regime with new duties, criminal liability and government powers
The Crime and Policing Act creates a number of new offences to address a range of regulatory concerns, including the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act paves the way for a possible ban on children's social media access, with government action expected within months.
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The ICC rewrites its arbitration rules: what changes to expect from 1 June 2026
The revised ICC Arbitration Rules mark a shift towards faster proceedings, stronger case management and a leaner and more commercially focused approach.
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UK regulator moves to simplify consumer credit financial promotion rules
The FCA is proposing to streamline the consumer credit financial promotion rules, targeting outdated or unnecessarily prescriptive provisions.
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The new UK carried interest regime takes effect: what should fund managers be considering?
The new carried interest regime came into force in April, taxing returns as deemed trading income at rates of up to 47%.
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Events
The quantification of delay claims: a legal and expert view
16 June | Halo, Bristol | 16:00-19:00
A practical discussion focused on the types of delay claims that typically arise on major energy and infrastructure projects, and the key principles underpinning entitlement to loss and expense, followed by networking drinks.
Register now >
Commercial property in flux: lease renewals, rent reform and land transparency in 2026
17 June | Webinar | 09:30-10:30
Our experts will cover three of the most pressing issues for landlords, investors and occupiers of commercial property: statutory lease renewal, rent review reform and new transparency obligations.
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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.
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The latest in advertising law changes in 2026
30 June | One London Wall | 09:00-11:30
Our specialist advertising law team will discuss recent developments and what they mean for business compliance.
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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 the London forum | Register now for the Bristol forum
