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] Regulation 2025/40 establishes minimum post-consumer recycled-content requirements for several plastic packaging categories from 2030, so converters need qualified recycled material that can meet mechanical, visual and food-contact specifications. FactMr
• [New] The EU adopted a restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles in 2023 (Commission Regulation 2023/2055, 2023), which is important to consider when discussing advanced polymers. Scientific Advice Mechanism
• [New] The PRC will increasingly use digital technologies and artificial intelligence for maritime monitoring and law enforcement. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] Assistance is especially limited outside Moscow and warns that detained Americans are not guaranteed U.S. consular access, substantially raising the stakes of even an unexpected legal problem. AOL.com
• [New] Foreign model users and developers may operate under different or weaker rules, creating spillover risks beyond U.S. legal control. Belfer Center
• [New] Poorly calibrated regulation could hinder biomedical innovation and weaken U.S. AI leadership, making effective oversight difficult. Belfer Center
• For most of the last decade, Australian businesses could treat sustainable packaging as a marketing choice, a way to differentiate on shelf, not a legal obligation. Carewell Group Pty Ltd
• With the UK's AI Regulation Act set for its first implementation phase in early 2027, a new industry of Compliance AI has exploded. AI Conference London
• Pending legislation that would clarify how digital assets are classified in the United States has already moved prices on headlines alone, and further delays or setbacks could weigh on the entire category regardless of which coin an investor holds. Coin Gabbar
• The US constitution's fourth amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and law enforcement generally must show a judge or a grand jury they have probable cause to believe the materials they want to search will produce evidence of a crime. The Guardian
• A new law in Louisiana, which went into effect earlier this month, allows courts to fine parents or guardians up to $5,000 if a youth age 14 or older is convicted of making a school threat. Stateline
• Following the Commonwealth's world leading action on artificial intelligence (AI) to develop national laws by early 2027, First Ministers agreed the emerging technology represents a generational opportunity for Australia if properly harnessed. Prime Minister of Australia
• Companies that use Labour Law 2026 as a catalyst to modernise HR systems, digitise records, and clarify decision rights will not only reduce risk but also improve efficiency. Consultancy Middle East
• By embedding regulatory adherence directly into the MLOps lifecycle, IBM aims to reduce the burden of compliance and lower the legal and financial risks associated with operating AI in a tightly regulated environment. AI Conference London
• The EU AI Act is expected to shape AI regulation in the UK, Singapore, and beyond. WalledAI
• IBM's annual Cost of a Data Breach Report has consistently found that the average data breach costs organizations several million dollars globally when investigation costs, operational disruption, regulatory penalties, legal expenses and reputational damage are included. Los Angeles Times
• Across Los Angeles, accounting firms, law firms and business consultancies are increasingly deploying AI-powered analytics to identify financial risks, regulatory compliance issues, litigation exposure and operational weaknesses before they become expensive problems. Los Angeles Times
• States have multiple checks in place to prevent non-U.S. citizens from voting, yet multiple states have enacted laws premised on the myth of widespread noncitizen voting that will block some eligible American citizens from casting ballots. Brennan Center for Justice
• There has been an increase in opportunities for law students, also reported in Canadian provinces such as Quebec, and early career lawyers to become involved in diverse work and most importantly a deeper understanding of 'people-centred' lawyering. Legal Futures

Last updated: 29 September 2026