United Kingdom: Media, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment

ICANN received over 1600 applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) after closing its application window in August 2026. With Reveal Day set for October 7, 2026...

The UK's proposed social media ban for under-16s is driving platforms to implement highly effective age assurance, with facial age estimation emerging as the market standard. However, compliance requires navigating two distinct regulatory frameworks - the Online Safety Act and UK GDPR - where satisfying one regime does not automatically ensure compliance with the other, creating significant legal and technical challenges for online services.

The Supreme Court's decision in Emotional Perception AI has reshaped how software inventions are examined at the UKIPO, aligning UK practice with the EPO's approach. A recent hearing demonstrates that while determining eligibility may be straightforward, assessing which features possess technical character presents significant challenges that can fundamentally impact the inventive step analysis.

Telecoms operators face critical asset management challenges throughout the lifecycle of network sites, from securing Code Rights to managing upgrades, assignments, and eventual site exits. Understanding how the Electronic Communications Code interacts with contractual terms, planning requirements, and registration obligations is essential for minimizing disputes and maintaining productive relationships with landowners.

Public sector organisations face unique challenges when managing telecoms rights under the Electronic Communications Code. Understanding how the Code interacts with regeneration programmes, compulsory purchase powers, and statutory duties is essential for avoiding delays and maintaining strategic flexibility across public estates.

On 7 July 2026, the High Court dismissed the misuse of private information (“MPI”) and breach of confidence claims brought by Prince Harry and six other high-profile claimants against Associated Newspapers Limited (“Associated”), publisher of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, in Lawrence v Associated Newspapers [2026] EWHC 1637 (KB).

The International Chamber of Commerce has published guidance on how its Advertising and Marketing Communications Code applies to AI use in marketing. As AI reshapes advertising creation and delivery, this guidance confirms that existing principles of legal, decent, honest and truthful advertising apply equally to AI-generated content, while providing practical checklists for organizations to ensure compliance with transparency, responsibility, and consent requirements.

Lewis Silkin launches Lettu, an AI-powered platform designed to revolutionize how creators, talent managers, agencies and brands negotiate and finalize commercial deals.

Ben Drury, CEO and Co-founder of Yoto, shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding dotmusic.com and 7digital to creating a screen-free audio platform that now serves over a million families globally. What drives a serial entrepreneur to tackle the challenge of children's screen time, and how does problem-solving fuel innovation in child development technology?

Geraint Lloyd-Taylor and Brinsley Dresden explore the accelerated implementation of the DMCCA subscription regime, examining recent advertising rulings for less healthy foods and the evolving landscape of environmental marketing claims. The discussion provides actionable guidance for businesses navigating these regulatory changes.

UK regulators discuss how existing advertising and consumer protection principles apply to AI-generated content, emphasizing that accountability remains with advertisers regardless of technology used. The ASA and CMA clarify when AI disclosure is necessary and stress the importance of human oversight in maintaining accurate claims and fair treatment of consumers.

The International Chamber of Commerce has published guidance on how its Advertising and Marketing Communications Code applies to AI use in marketing. As AI reshapes advertising creation and delivery, this guidance confirms that existing principles of legal, decent, honest and truthful advertising apply equally to AI-generated content, while providing practical checklists for organizations to ensure compliance with transparency, responsibility, and consent requirements.