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] AI Risk Will Create Direct Executive Liability The AI deployment race is going to collide with the legal reality in 2026. https://www.uscsinstitute.org/cybersecurity-insights/bl
• [New] Under Trump's executive order, states may fear being sued or starved federal funding if they clash with his vision for light-touch regulation. MIT Technology Review
• [New] Although Congress is expected to face ongoing challenges in advancing major legislative initiatives in 2026, AI legislation with significant privacy components is likely to move forward. JD Supra
• [New] There will be no omnibus U.S. privacy or AI law yet, but there will be a steady increase in state AI laws. JD Supra
• [New] The Indian government has indicated that non-compliance could expose X not only to penalties under IT regulations but also to possible criminal action under national law. Tech Edition
• [New] Failure to comply could affect X's safe harbour protections under Indian law, which shield platforms from legal liability for user-generated material if they meet compliance standards. Tech Edition
• [New] 2026 could see clashes between humans over AI, as Tegmark said there is a growing pushback in the US against unleashing AI without regulation. Euronews
• [New] 2026 is set to be an important year for pension reform, but the most significant reforms will require legislation. / USA Invesco
• [New] Operators of gun shows in Colorado will be required starting in 2026 to submit a security plan to local law enforcement and to hold liability insurance under a new law. THE Journal
• [New] New 2026 tech laws in Washington could tighten privacy and app distribution. Glass Almanac
• [New] The US Department of the Treasury, US Department of Commerce, and other relevant federal agencies will update the existing regulations to incorporate the NDAA requirements, which will require significant efforts across the executive branch. DLA Piper
• [New] As cybercrime becomes more transnational and technically complex, U.S. SLTT agencies and law enforcement will need tools that not only detect threats but also translate technical indicators into investigative leads. Center for Internet Security
• [New] In 2026, the cybersecurity landscape will demand more specialized platforms that enable real-time, actionable threat intelligence sharing between cybersecurity teams and law enforcement agencies. Center for Internet Security
• [New] The hasty adoption of AI by law enforcement agencies will prove even more controversial in 2026. Yahoo News
• [New] In 2026, amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting regulations, the backlash against ESG and the EU's Omnibus reporting simplification will mark a turning point for corporate sustainability. IMD business school for management and leadership cours
• [New] In 2026, cyber-attacks will ramp up further, as ransomware operations evolve to become more sophisticated, regulation mandates resilience, and AI has an increasing impact on business operations. IT Pro
• [New] Following a late-2025 Executive Order titled Ensuring a National Policy Framework for AI, the early months of 2026 will see the Department of Commerce identify onerous state laws for potential federal challenge. / USA FinancialContent
• [New] A loss for Amazon could set a precedent for the New Brandeis school of antitrust law, fundamentally altering how big tech companies leverage their platforms to favor their own services. The Chronicle-Journal
• The AA faces daunting challenges ahead, including the risk of escalating conflict, renewed Rohingya crises, and worsening humanitarian conditions driven by poverty, displacement, and weak rule of law. / Myanmar The Borderlens

Last updated: 06 January 2026