Civil Liberties Legislation

Laws and regulations protecting individual rights, freedoms, and civil liberties, including privacy rights, freedom of expression, and anti-discrimination measures.

The Online Safety Act 2023 (Commencement No. 6) Regulations 2025

These regulations bring into force section 210 of the Online Safety Act 2023 on July 25, 2025.

This section repeals Part 4B of the Communications Act 2003, ending a transition period that began in January 2024.

The change puts video-sharing platforms under the Online Safety Act's updated duties of care.

The regulations apply across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

A full impact assessment is available.

Read More

The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Suitability for Fixed Term Recall) Order 2025

This Order modifies the Criminal Justice Act 2003, changing the conditions for automatic release of recalled prisoners in England and Wales.

It introduces stricter criteria, including a new schedule of offenses that disqualify prisoners from automatic release after 28 days (or 14 days for sentences less than 12 months).

The revised criteria consider factors such as age, sentence length, offense type, terrorist-related activity, and multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) levels.

The amendments aim to improve public safety by retaining those deemed a higher risk in custody for extended periods.

Read More

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Guernsey) Order 2025

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Guernsey) Order 2025 extends specific provisions of the UK's Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 to the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

Key changes include modifying information-sharing requirements between Guernsey's police force and the UK's Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to enhance barring decisions related to individuals working with vulnerable adults and children.

The order also amends the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Guernsey) (Amendment) Order 2012 to reflect these changes.

Read More

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Jersey) Order 2025

This Order extends parts of the UK's Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 to Jersey.

Specifically, it mandates information sharing between Jersey authorities and the UK's Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to support barring decisions for individuals working with vulnerable adults or children.

The Order also amends the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Jersey) (Amendment) Order 2012 to clarify the extent of Part 5 of Schedule 10 of the 2012 Act's applicability to Jersey.

Read More

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Isle of Man) Order 2025

This Order extends key provisions of the UK's Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 to the Isle of Man.

Specifically, it mandates information sharing between the Isle of Man Constabulary and the UK's Disclosure and Barring Service to support barring decisions, making changes to the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2012 to reflect this.

The modifications ensure consistent safeguarding standards and enhance the protection of vulnerable adults and children in the Isle of Man.

Read More

The Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2025

This order amends the Terrorism Act 2000 by adding Palestine Action, Maniacs Murder Cult (MMC), and Russian Imperial Movement (RIM) to the list of proscribed organizations.

The order cites the Secretary of State's belief that these organizations engage in terrorism, and it was approved by both Houses of Parliament.

The order also includes an explanatory note which clarifies that the entry for Palestine Action refers specifically to the UK based organization, and declares no significant impact on public or private sectors is expected, therefore a full impact assessment was not considered necessary.

Read More

The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 (Commencement No. 7) Regulations 2025

These regulations, effective June 25, 2025, implement several sections of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.

Key provisions include allowing victims of certain crimes to submit impact statements at mental health tribunals and appointing a standing advocate for victims of major incidents.

The regulations also clarify information-sharing practices and data protection concerns related to these processes.

These provisions represent the seventh set of commencement regulations under the 2024 Act.

Read More

The Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2025

These regulations, effective June 20, 2025, activate sections 18 and 21 of the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024.

Section 18 establishes a Secretary of State review process for notices, while Section 21 requires notification of changes to telecommunications services.

The regulations apply across the UK. Previous commencement regulations have already brought other parts of the Act into force.

Read More