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] 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
• [New] While not applicable to the import of cultural goods into the UK, any cultural goods being transported into an EU member state will be subject to the Regulation at the point of import. Mishcon de Reya LLP
• [New] In a bid to future-proof regulation amid rapid technological disruption, the World Economic Forum has teamed up with the UAE to launch an initiative that aims to overhaul how governments around the world respond to emerging technologies such as AI. The National
• [New] The success of NASA's X-59 QueSST project could lead to revised noise regulations that allow supersonic flights over land, opening up new markets and expanding the commercial potential of high-speed air travel. Tomorrow Desk
• [New] The government, the Bank of Mongolia, and the private sector are now presented with a real opportunity to increase gold production in the short term by supporting the gold industry through legal, financial, and tax regulations while prices are high. MongolBeat
• [New] Over 40% of all jobs will be impacted by AI and automation (WEF) Moore's Law is being overtaken by systems convergence: AI + robotics + biotech = massive leaps in capability. Peter Fisk
• [New] Parliamentarians from Ghana, Nigeria and other African countries will join housing sector leaders to discuss legislations aimed at reviving outdated laws that will develop the real estate sector. Housing TV Africa
• [New] By targeting successful American technology companies with punitive regulations, the legislation risks undermining the innovation ecosystem that has made the United States the global leader in digital technology. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] Recent warnings from technologists and visionaries highlight the urgent need for global cooperation and regulation to ensure that the power of AI and emerging technologies serves humanity rather than endangering it. Spreaker
• [New] E-waste regulation gaps: With solar panels having a lifespan of 25-30 years, India is expected to generate over 1.8 million tonnes of solar PV waste by 2050, necessitating a formal recycling policy. NenPower
• [New] Cyberattacks and undersea cable sabotage are blurring the line between war and peace and exposing holes in UK law, a government minister has warned lawmakers. The Register
• [New] The US transportation department regulates vehicle design and will play a key role in deciding if Tesla can mass-produce robotaxis without pedals and steering wheels, while Musk's rocket firm SpaceX has about $22bn (R387bn) in federal contracts. TimesLIVE
• [New] In the coming years, generative AI presents a promising opportunity to democratise legal services and promote greater equity within justice systems. Dailynews
• [New] Potential constitutional challenge: Experts warn bypassing Standing Acts like Species at Risk may invite legal challenges undermining executive overreach under Canada's constitution. GLOBAL LAW TODAY - BRINGING THE WORLD TOGETHER
• [New] Protecting and managing data in a world of evolving regulations, technologies, and risks requires collaboration. Cybertechbiz.com
• [New] With laws in some U.S. states banning the sale of PFAS-containing products, the possibility of the EU implementing a universal PFAS ban, which could come in 2025 or 2026, and other regulations, people are feeling ambiguity and frustration. Specialty Fabrics Review
• [New] Nigerian organizations remain highly vulnerable to sophisticated threat actors due to weak security policies, lack of training, and limited enforcement of digital regulations. Medium
• [New] New laws and updated regulations have entered into force as part of the EU's Digital Decade, and further regulations are expected to be transposed during the year. Magnusson
• [New] China will have established a number of world-leading AI technology innovation and personnel training centers (or bases), and will have constructed more comprehensive AI laws and regulations, and an ethical norms and policy system. DigiChina
• [New] By 2025 China will have seen the initial establishment of AI laws and regulations, ethical norms and policy systems, and the formation of AI security assessment and control capabilities. DigiChina
• [New] California's moves, the Times optimistically suggested, could inspire other Democratic-led states to weaken their environmental regulations to address their housing shortages. Coffee & Covid 2025
• [New] Lithuania has passed legislation that bans access to management systems of solar and wind farms by companies from countries that pose a threat to national security. European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

Last updated: 08 July 2025