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] The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act will preempt Prop 65 warnings and common law failure-to-warn claims. JD Supra
• [New] California continues to broaden its battery and electronic waste regulatory framework through two complementary but mutually exclusive laws - AB 2440 and SB 1215. JD Supra
• [New] Encompassing both expansion and simplification trends, 2026 is expected to see progress on legislation supporting a circular economy in the EU, including the refinement of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes. Passle
• [New] The UK government sought feedback in 2025 on how climate transition planning obligations should apply to corporates and regulated financial institutions, and we expect formal regulation to be introduced in 2026. Passle
• [New] As the US turns its back on international law and institutions, the world's second-largest economy could provide a valuable counterbalance to preserve the open trading system. The Guardian
• [New] The amended regulations give authority for Defence, in support of law enforcement agencies, to detect and disable or destroy drones that are suspected of posing a threat to Australian Defence Force (ADF) assets and establishments. APDR
• [New] Product liability frameworks are being modernized, as the UK Law Commission launched a comprehensive review of the Consumer Protection Act to ensure it adequately captures risks associated with AI-enabled technologies, including iterative updates and latent defects. Mondaq
• [New] While privacy tokens showed potential for outperformance amid demand for anonymous transactions as of early 2026, experts noted challenges from evolving regulations that could limit their integration into mainstream finance. Grokipedia
• [New] The court decision could ultimately force Panama to rewrite its legal framework for port concessions - and potentially launch new tenders - adding strategic weight to the canal authority's decision to advance entirely new port developments now. gCaptain
• [New] In light of FTC enforcement, investigation by other agencies and consumer data breach litigation, the growing threat of quantum computing only becomes one part of a complex assessment of legal risk. IAPP.org
• [New] Regulators and authorities worldwide have warned for years about crypto's role in crime, as it is generally subject to less specific regulation than mainstream finance. Insurance Journal
• [New] French lawmakers have voted in favour of legislation that will ban under-15s from social media amid growing concern that children's attention is being hijacked by algorithms. Positive News
• [New] In the United States, the GENIUS Act has provided an initial legal framework for stablecoins, while the Clarity Act - expected to be approved by 2026 - promises to clearly define the jurisdictions between the SEC and CFTC regarding digital assets. MEXC
• [New] Legal professionals who can translate complexity into strategic guidance, particularly in AI literacy, compliance, and risk, will hold the most value in 2026. National Law Review
• [New] In 2026, legal hiring is being shaped by the ability to manage risk, navigate compliance, and embed technology responsibly. National Law Review
• [New] Employers should prepare now for heightened transparency, accountability, and audit obligations, as AI regulations across states are expected to increase in both scope and enforcement rigour in 2026. Exit Planning Exchange
• [New] Between 2025 and 2027, AI regulation will shift from policy signaling to operational enforcement, driven less by sweeping federal laws and more by state mandates and agency rulemaking. Lasso Security
• [New] Mounting pressures on productivity, and the stratospheric risk of legal tech - including AI and all the associated risks - will make in 2026 a turning point for many organizations. Vable Ltd
• [New] The collision between state regulatory efforts and federal preemption attempts created significant uncertainty for companies navigating compliance obligations, with legal battles expected to unfold throughout 2026 as courts determine the extent of federal authority to override state AI regulation. BearNetAI - Bytes to Insights
• [New] Under the Insurance Act, 2079, companies need bilateral agreements, regulatory approvals, and minimum capital requirements to operate abroad, making diplomatic coordination and legal compliance essential for expansion. / Nepal Nepal News
• [New] Key drivers behind the growth of ESG and sustainable finance include: Climate Change and Environmental Risks: Increasing frequency of extreme weather events, carbon regulations, and global climate commitments have made environmental risks financially material. TradingView

Last updated: 03 February 2026