Radar - 2021 roundup

Is the last year a blur? Fear not, this will bring it into focus.

2021 was another year dominated by the pandemic but much of the shock had worn off, allowing a little more space for business as usual, at least in some sectors. We also saw the impact of the end of the Brexit transition period. While it may be hard to conclude whether COVID or Brexit is to blame for the lorry driver shortage, it is easier to work out what is behind some of the changes or planned changes to UK law which have been discussed this year.

Here is our annual festive roundup of EU and UK legislative and regulatory highlights as well as key cases in Radar's sweet spot covering:

Digital policy and legislation

The world continues to struggle with regulating the digital environment. We had the EU crystallise its digital strategy to 2030 in March, and the UK published its Plan for Digital Regulation which sets out fairly similar aims. The UK wants to reduce red tape and cut down on confusing policy in order to stimulate innovation, jobs and prosperity. This needs to be done while minimising harms to the economy, security and society by promoting competition and innovation, keeping the UK safe and secure online, and promoting a flourishing democratic society.

Disruptive tech

We look back at the most important legal developments of the past year in disruptive tech, covering:

AI
Drones and e-mobility
Internet of Things
Digital identity and assets
Music streaming
Ride hailing apps

Data privacy and cybersecurity

2021 was dominated by issues around data transfers. Other hot topics included children's data, AI and health data. Click below for a summary of the highlights and for the full lowdown and a wealth of articles and webinars on the year's biggest developments, visit our Global Data Hub. You can also find our predictions for 2022 here.

Games and gambling

2021 highlights

We thought we'd have more to say here because we were expecting the government to release a draft Gambling Act this year. Deadlines came and went and, at the time of writing, it's still unclear when the Bill will be published.

This doesn't mean it hasn't been a busy time for the sector and you can see our 2022 predictions here.

Consumer protection and product liability

2021 highlights

Both the UK and EU have been considering the effectiveness of their consumer protection and product safety regimes this year, moving towards new legislation which is likely to be a focus next year.

Advertising and influencers

2021 highlights

Misleading advertising (especially in relation to green claims) and prevention of harm, particularly to children and the vulnerable, continued to be in the spotlight in 2021.

Communications

2021 regulatory highlights

Security of communications networks has been at the top of the agenda this year.

Brexit

The aftermath

The Brexit transition period ended on 31 December 2020. More than four years after the 2016 Referendum, the effects of Brexit were about to be fully realised. The economic and political fallout may take some time to settle, particularly as the waters have been muddied by the COVID-19 pandemic, but we did get clarity on some issues in 2021.

Other UK and EU legislation and case law

We've seen a number of other interesting developments relevant to the tech, data and consumer sectors this year. In the UK, these have centred on the post-Brexit legal framework. We have also seen some interesting commercial cases both in the UK and from the CJEU.

Branchen Technology, Media & Communications