EU Commission Publishes AI Continent Action Plan and Seeks Input
On April 9, 2025 the European Commission adopted a communication on the so-called AI Continent Action Plan – its strategy to shape the next phase of AI development in Europe, with consultation to follow. The Commission’s declared objective is to transform the EU into a global leader in AI by fostering innovation, ensuring trustworthy AI, and enhancing competitiveness while safeguarding democratic values and cultural diversity. Keep monitoring Data Matters for more on the Commission’s consultation, when available. (more…)
New UK Consumer Rules Herald Stricter Enforcement and Significant Fines
Consumer protection is rising to the top of the regulatory agenda worldwide. The UK consumer protection regime is undergoing a major shift: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) now has powerful new tools under the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act (DMCCA) (see our Sidley Update here), including the ability to directly enforce consumer law and fine companies up to 10% of global annual turnover for serious infringements. (more…)
Meeting EU Data, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence Law Obligations: A Checklist for Swiss Life Sciences Companies
For Swiss companies, the next six months are critical for preparing to meet new Digital Data Law obligations. In this briefing, we outline the key timelines, compliance requirements, and practical steps to align with EU requirements. (more…)
New Pathway of Regulating Artificial Intelligence in Switzerland: Competitive Edge or Challenge?
On February 12, 2025, the Swiss Federal Council unveiled its long-awaited approach to artificial intelligence (AI) regulation. Instead of adopting a comprehensive AI Act like the European Union, Switzerland has opted for a sector-specific framework, integrating AI considerations into existing laws rather than creating a standalone regulatory regime. (more…)
U.S. HHS Office of General Counsel Statement of Organization Suggests Potential Consolidation, Expansion of Authority
On March 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a revised Statement of Organization for the Office of the General Counsel (HHS-OGC).1 Changes include a return to an organizational structure more like the early days of the first Trump administration for the lawyers advising the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as the closing of certain regional HHS-OGC offices. Additional changes could potentially signal an effort to consolidate and expand HHS-OGC’s authority, especially with respect to matters currently opined upon by lawyers advising the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). Stakeholders should consider opportunities to engage with HHS in light of the changes announced in the March 2025 Statement of Organization.
Impact of U.S. Outbound Investment Rules on Loan Transactions in China and Practical Considerations
The final rule on the new U.S. outbound investment security program (Outbound Investment Rules), implemented by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and effective on January 2, 2025, represents a significant regulatory framework aimed at prohibiting, or requiring notification to Treasury of, investments directed by, or undertaken by subsidiaries of U.S. persons in Chinese-affiliated companies that design, develop, or manufacture certain sensitive technologies deemed important to U.S. national security. Understanding the implications of the Outbound Investment Rules will be essential for both borrowers and lenders operating within these jurisdictions.
EIOPA Publishes Consultation on Opinion on AI Governance and Risk Management
On February 12, 2025, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (“EIOPA”) published a consultation on its draft opinion on artificial intelligence (“AI”) governance and risk management (the “Opinion”).
Artificial Intelligence: U.S. Securities and Commodities Guidelines for Responsible Use
Despite recent focus on artificial intelligence (AI) by U.S. financial regulators, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) have not yet issued new regulations specifically addressing the use of AI. Nonetheless, during the Biden administration, guidance from these agencies emphasized the necessity of responsible use of AI within existing regulatory frameworks, urging market participants to exercise additional diligence to navigate compliance risks associated with AI usage.
U.S. Copyright Office Issues Report on Artificial Intelligence and Copyrightability
On January 29, 2025, the U.S. Copyright Office issued the second part of its Report on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, following a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) the Office issued in 2023. The first part of the Office’s Report, released in July 2024, addressed digital replicas. This second part addresses copyrightability, an issue that attracted considerable interest from authors, artists, and the media and technology industries — approximately half of the more than 10,000 comments that the Office received in response to the NOI addressed copyrightability questions.
With New Technologies Come New Risks: FINRA Issues 2025 Regulatory Oversight Report
Last week, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) published its 2025 Annual Regulatory Oversight Report. The 80-page report hits on a number of familiar themes and subjects and includes two new areas of focus: 1) risks arising from the use of third-party vendors, including cybersecurity and data privacy risks, and 2) extended-hours trading services, which have become increasingly common across the industry. FINRA offers new observations regarding registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) in the context of Reg BI obligations. The report also reflects FINRA’s increased scrutiny of risks associated with emerging technologies, with a particular focus on generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Additionally, although much of the report repeats items included in prior years, it provides useful, comprehensive checklists reflecting FINRA’s views on the various topics and risk areas covered. Efforts to operationalize some of the items raised can present unique challenges, and we encourage you to reach out to a Sidley contact to talk further about particular concerns raised in the report.
