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] Major technology firms in the U.S. are investing significantly in governance tools, focusing on transparency, reducing bias, and responsible AI deployment to mitigate reputational and legal risks. Precedence Research
• [New] As detailed in the proposals from the European Commission, highlighted by Euractiv, regulations will demand that AI systems operate with clear audit trails and accountability measures, ensuring both transparency and security in critical infrastructure-related operations. OpenTools
• [New] AI-specific regulations, including rules on explainability, data provenance, and model risk, will emerge globally but may be fragmented. Rapid7
• [New] The emergence of divergent regulations on data privacy, AI ethics, and cross-border data flows could create significant hurdles for international trade, making efforts towards international standards from organizations like the OECD and UNESCO particularly crucial. FinancialContent
• [New] The U.S. is likely to pass federal legislation defining crypto asset classes, while the EU's MiCA will set a benchmark for others. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] AI regulation in the military domain and global governance that aimed to address universal challenges could provide common ground for China and the US to foster bilateral cooperation. Yahoo News
• [New] Australia's eSafety Commissioner will oversee the world-first laws that will make companies potentially liable for fines of $50 million if they do not take steps to block young users. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Member ports will exchange knowledge gleaned from demonstration projects, fostering innovation and harmonising operations to benefit the global Flow sector, all while maintaining compliance with competition law. New Civil Engineer
• [New] Over the next decade, law firms and in-house legal teams will see their business models tested and redefined, creating new categories of companies and expanding access to legal support. LegalTech
• [New] Any misstep - like a major AI mishap or data breach - could invite heavy-handed regulation that changes how OpenAI operates. SiliconSnark
• [New] If Washington wants more competition, it will have to focus less on dismantling incumbents and more on sustaining a policy ecology that promotes dynamism, especially keeping regulation light. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] China will resolutely exercise its right of self-defence under the UN Charter and international law and firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Futura Doctrina
• [New] The U.S. aims to lead not only in technological but also in moral-legal leadership, ensuring that future smart weapons serve security rather than become an uncontrollable threat. News feed at Inbox.lv
• [New] The Albanese Government has today introduced legislation to further protect Australians from threats posed by state sponsors of terrorism. Mirage News
• [New] The UN Economic Commission for Europe's UN Regulation No. 155 (UN R155) mandates a cybersecurity management system across a vehicle's lifecycle, requiring continuous threat monitoring to keep pace with emerging risks. VicOne
• [New] The credentials, which Apple calls Digital ID, will not have legal equivalence with a physical passport. / USA BiometricUpdate.com
• [New] The European Commission plans to delay parts of its AI legislation under pressure from major U.S. tech companies and the Trump administration. TheRecursive.com

Last updated: 25 November 2025