Digital Regulation Timeline

Our timeline is an overview of major digital regulation that has come into effect in recent years, is in the legislative process, or is coming into effect soon. It is designed to help you keep track of relevant regulatory developments, understand their status and identify which pieces of legislation will actually affect your business.

Our international regulatory lawyers offer support for all stages of your business's digitalisation journey. We can help you prepare for, implement and comply with all aspects of digital regulation, whatever your sector. Explore our digital regulation expertise.

Recently added or amended content.

Last updated: 31 May 2025

The timeline is indicative only and not a complete overview of applicable law.

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2021
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
TBC
In Effect
EU

⭐EU Data Governance Act

This Act seeks to increase sharing of public sector data, regulates data marketplaces, and creates the concept of data altruism for trusted sharing.

Next important deadline(s): 24 September 2025

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2023
In Effect
EU

⭐EU Data Governance Act

This Act seeks to increase sharing of public sector data, regulates data marketplaces, and creates the concept of data altruism for trusted sharing.

Next important deadline(s): 24 September 2025

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2023
In Effect
EU

EU Digital Services Act

The DSA builds on the e-Commerce Directive to address new challenges in the digital sphere.

⭐ Next important deadline(s): 10 June 2025 (deadline for response to the consultation on the protection of minors)

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2024
In Effect
EU

EU Digital Services Act

The DSA builds on the e-Commerce Directive to address new challenges in the digital sphere.

⭐ Next important deadline(s): 10 June 2025 (deadline for response to the consultation on the protection of minors)

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2024
In Effect

UK Platform Operators (Due Diligence and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2023

These regulations introduce new rules for digital platforms on collecting and reporting information about their sellers.

Next important deadline(s): None

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2024
In Effect

UK Platform Operators (Due Diligence and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2023

These regulations introduce new rules for digital platforms on collecting and reporting information about their sellers.

Next important deadline(s): None

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2024
In Effect

OECD/G20 Pillar Two solution (global minimum tax) to address the taxation of the digitalised economy

Pillar Two is the second part of a two pillar solution to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalised economy.

Next important deadline(s): None

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2024
In Effect

OECD/G20 Pillar Two solution (global minimum tax) to address the taxation of the digitalised economy

Pillar Two is the second part of a two pillar solution to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalised economy.

Next important deadline(s): None

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2024
In Effect
UK

UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022

Part 1 introduces cybersecurity obligations for connected consumer products.

Next important deadline(s): None

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2024
In Effect
UK

UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022

Part 1 introduces cybersecurity obligations for connected consumer products.

Next important deadline(s): None

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2024
In Effect
EU

EU Digital Markets Act

This new regulation aims to boost competition in EU digital markets by regulating online "gatekeepers".

Next important deadline(s): H1 2025

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2024
In Effect
EU

EU Digital Markets Act

This new regulation aims to boost competition in EU digital markets by regulating online "gatekeepers".

Next important deadline(s): H1 2025

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2024
In Effect
EU

EU NIS 2 Directive

This directive updates NIS 1 and requires certain organisations to strengthen their cyber security defences.

Next important deadline(s): 2025

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2024
In Effect
EU

EU NIS 2 Directive

This directive updates NIS 1 and requires certain organisations to strengthen their cyber security defences.

Next important deadline(s): 2025

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2024
In Effect
EU

EU General Product Safety Regulation

This regulation introduces sweeping reforms to the EU product safety regime.

Next important deadline(s): None

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2024
In Effect
EU

EU General Product Safety Regulation

This regulation introduces sweeping reforms to the EU product safety regime.

Next important deadline(s): None

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2024
On the Horizon
UK

UK Media Act 2024

This Act overhauls the UK legal framework for public service broadcasting, video on demand, streaming and internet radio.

⭐Next important deadline(s): Second half of 2025 (decisions on designation of TSS expected)

10 July 2025 (deadline for responding to consultation on implementing changes to the PSB quota obligations)

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2024
On the Horizon
UK

UK Media Act 2024

This Act overhauls the UK legal framework for public service broadcasting, video on demand, streaming and internet radio.

⭐Next important deadline(s): Second half of 2025 (decisions on designation of TSS expected)

10 July 2025 (deadline for responding to consultation on implementing changes to the PSB quota obligations)

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2024
On the Horizon
EU

EU Accessibility Directive

This directive aims to increase the accessibility of both physical and digital products and services, focussing on digital.

Next important deadline(s): 28 June 2025

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2025
On the Horizon
EU

EU Accessibility Directive

This directive aims to increase the accessibility of both physical and digital products and services, focussing on digital.

Next important deadline(s): 28 June 2025

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2025
On the Horizon
UK

⭐UK Data (Use and Access) Bill

This bill makes provisions to enhance sharing and use of data by UK organisations, including changes to the UK GDPR.

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2025
On the Horizon
UK

⭐UK Data (Use and Access) Bill

This bill makes provisions to enhance sharing and use of data by UK organisations, including changes to the UK GDPR.

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2025
On the Horizon
UK

UK Advertising (Less Healthy Food Definitions and Exemptions) Regulations 2024

Introduces a total ban on all adverts for less healthy food and drink online and a ban for such ads to be shown on TV before 21:00.

Next important deadline: 1 October 2025; 5 January 2026

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2025
On the Horizon
UK

UK Advertising (Less Healthy Food Definitions and Exemptions) Regulations 2024

Introduces a total ban on all adverts for less healthy food and drink online and a ban for such ads to be shown on TV before 21:00.

Next important deadline: 1 October 2025; 5 January 2026

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2025
In Effect
UK

UK Online Safety Act 2023

This Act introduces statutory duties on online content-sharing platforms and search services.

⭐Next important deadline(s): 22 July 2025 (deadline for response to consultationon amendments to illegal content codes of practice)

24 July 2025 (complete and record children's risk assessment)

25 July 2025 (implement Protection of Children Codes of Practice measures (or similar))

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2025
In Effect
UK

UK Online Safety Act 2023

This Act introduces statutory duties on online content-sharing platforms and search services.

⭐Next important deadline(s): 22 July 2025 (deadline for response to consultationon amendments to illegal content codes of practice)

24 July 2025 (complete and record children's risk assessment)

25 July 2025 (implement Protection of Children Codes of Practice measures (or similar))

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2025
On the Horizon
UK

UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (consumer aspects)

This Act updates consumer law, makes changes to rules for consumer subscriptions and strengthens the CMA's enforcement powers.

Next important deadline(s): April 2026 (reforms to subscription contracts regime expected to commence)

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2025
On the Horizon
UK

UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (consumer aspects)

This Act updates consumer law, makes changes to rules for consumer subscriptions and strengthens the CMA's enforcement powers.

Next important deadline(s): April 2026 (reforms to subscription contracts regime expected to commence)

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2025
In Effect
EU

EU Artificial Intelligence Act

This regulation creates a risk-based tiered regulatory regime for AI tools.

⭐Next important deadline(s): By August 2025 (AI Office aims to publish final version of code of practice)

2 August 2025 (effective date for general-purpose AI models)

2 August 2026 (effective date for high-risk AI models)

2 August 2027 (effective date for Annex 3 AI)

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2025
In Effect
EU

EU Artificial Intelligence Act

This regulation creates a risk-based tiered regulatory regime for AI tools.

⭐Next important deadline(s): By August 2025 (AI Office aims to publish final version of code of practice)

2 August 2025 (effective date for general-purpose AI models)

2 August 2026 (effective date for high-risk AI models)

2 August 2027 (effective date for Annex 3 AI)

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2025
On the Horizon
EU

EU Data Act

This Act creates a new framework for sharing data and new rights of access to IoT data.

Next important deadline(s): 12 September 2025, 12 September 2026, 12 September 2027

Read more
2025
On the Horizon
EU

EU Data Act

This Act creates a new framework for sharing data and new rights of access to IoT data.

Next important deadline(s): 12 September 2025, 12 September 2026, 12 September 2027

Read more
2025
In Effect
UK

UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (competition aspects)

This Act gives the CMA new powers to regulate firms in digital markets with "significant market status" and updates aspects of competition law.

Next important deadline(s): January to September 2025

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2025
In Effect
UK

UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (competition aspects)

This Act gives the CMA new powers to regulate firms in digital markets with "significant market status" and updates aspects of competition law.

Next important deadline(s): January to September 2025

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2025
On the Horizon
UK

UK government's position on AI regulation

The current government has said that it plans to introduce AI safety legislation for "frontier" AI models.

Read more
2025
On the Horizon
UK

UK government's position on AI regulation

The current government has said that it plans to introduce AI safety legislation for "frontier" AI models.

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2025
In Effect
EU

EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)

This regulation introduces rules for financial services firms to manage cyber risks and harmonise IT requirements.

Next important deadline(s): 13 April 2025, 19 May 2025

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2025
In Effect
EU

EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)

This regulation introduces rules for financial services firms to manage cyber risks and harmonise IT requirements.

Next important deadline(s): 13 April 2025, 19 May 2025

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2025
On the Horizon
EU

EU European Media Freedom Act

This Act establishes a regulatory framework for media services in the EU, introducing measures to protect journalists, and strengthen media pluralism and editorial independence.

Next important deadline(s): 8 August 2025

Read more
2025
On the Horizon
EU

EU European Media Freedom Act

This Act establishes a regulatory framework for media services in the EU, introducing measures to protect journalists, and strengthen media pluralism and editorial independence.

Next important deadline(s): 8 August 2025

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2025
On the Horizon
EU

EU European Digital Identity Framework Regulation

This regulation creates an EU-wide framework for trusted and secure digital identities.

Next important deadline(s): Q1 2025, December 2026

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2026
On the Horizon
EU

EU European Digital Identity Framework Regulation

This regulation creates an EU-wide framework for trusted and secure digital identities.

Next important deadline(s): Q1 2025, December 2026

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2026
On the Horizon
EU

EU Financial Services Distance Contracts Directive

This directive requires all businesses selling goods and services online to provide a "withdrawal button" on their interface so that consumers can easily cancel online contracts

Next important deadline: 19 December 2025; 19 June 2025

Read more
2026
On the Horizon
EU

EU Financial Services Distance Contracts Directive

This directive requires all businesses selling goods and services online to provide a "withdrawal button" on their interface so that consumers can easily cancel online contracts

Next important deadline: 19 December 2025; 19 June 2025

Read more
2026
On the Horizon
EU

EU Revised Product Liability Directive

This directive updates product liability rules to include digital products, services and platforms.

Next important deadeline(s): 9 December 2026

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2026
On the Horizon
EU

EU Revised Product Liability Directive

This directive updates product liability rules to include digital products, services and platforms.

Next important deadeline(s): 9 December 2026

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2026
On the Horizon
EU

EU Digital Fairness Act

The upcoming Act will fill gaps in consumer law to address unfair commercial practices online, such as dark patterns, personalisation, and addictive design

Next important deadline: Q2 2025

Read more
2026
On the Horizon
EU

EU Digital Fairness Act

The upcoming Act will fill gaps in consumer law to address unfair commercial practices online, such as dark patterns, personalisation, and addictive design

Next important deadline: Q2 2025

Read more
2026
On the Horizon
EU

EU Platform Workers Directive

This directive clarifies the employment rights of workers who source work through digital platforms and covers fairness in the algorithmic management of workers.

Next important deadline(s): 2 December 2026

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2026
On the Horizon
EU

EU Platform Workers Directive

This directive clarifies the employment rights of workers who source work through digital platforms and covers fairness in the algorithmic management of workers.

Next important deadline(s): 2 December 2026

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2026
On the Horizon
EU

EU Cyber Resilience Act

This regulation introduces cybersecurity requirements for digital products.

Next important deadline(s): 11 December 2027

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2027
On the Horizon
EU

EU Cyber Resilience Act

This regulation introduces cybersecurity requirements for digital products.

Next important deadline(s): 11 December 2027

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2027
On the Horizon
EU

EU AI Liability Directive

This directive helps parties bring a claim for damages for harm caused by an AI tool.

Next important deadline(s): None

Read more
TBC
On the Horizon
EU

EU AI Liability Directive

This directive helps parties bring a claim for damages for harm caused by an AI tool.

Next important deadline(s): None

Read more
TBC
On the Horizon

OECD/G20 Pillar One solution (reallocating taxing rights) to address the taxation of the digitalised economy

This is the first part of a two pillar solution to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalised economy.

Next important deadline(s): None

Read more
TBC
On the Horizon

OECD/G20 Pillar One solution (reallocating taxing rights) to address the taxation of the digitalised economy

This is the first part of a two pillar solution to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalised economy.

Next important deadline(s): None

Read more
TBC
On the Horizon
UK

UK Draft Product Regulation and Metrology Bill

This bill proposes to recognise beneficial EU regulations, address new product risks like AI, and clarify supply chain responsibilities for online marketplaces.

Next important deadline(s): 4 June 2025 (House of Commons report stage)

Read more
TBC
On the Horizon
UK

UK Draft Product Regulation and Metrology Bill

This bill proposes to recognise beneficial EU regulations, address new product risks like AI, and clarify supply chain responsibilities for online marketplaces.

Next important deadline(s): 4 June 2025 (House of Commons report stage)

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TBC
On the Horizon
EU

EU Regulation on cross-border GDPR enforcement

This regulation will supplement the EU GDPR with harmonised procedures for the cross-border enforcement of the GDPR.

Next important deadline(s): None

Read more
TBC
On the Horizon
EU

EU Regulation on cross-border GDPR enforcement

This regulation will supplement the EU GDPR with harmonised procedures for the cross-border enforcement of the GDPR.

Next important deadline(s): None

Read more
TBC
OECD Countries
OECD Countries
EU
EU
UK
UK
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