Search results

Cyber_Bytes - Issue 48

Published on 04 Jan 2023. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Ian Dinning, Senior Associate and Rachel Ford, Partner and Christopher Ashton, Senior Associate and Elizabeth Zang, Associate and Emanuele Santella , Associate

Welcome to Cyber_Bytes, our regular round-up of key developments in cyber, tech and evolving risks.

RPC Law x Web3: If There's Something Strange in the Web3 World, Who You Gonna Call?

Published on 06 Dec 2022. By Nick Lauw, Partner and Yuankai Lin, Partner

"And the way we win is by creating a new, democratic, decentralised internet, one where the behaviour of companies like this will be impossible forever. One where it is the users, not the kings, who have sovereign control over their data." - Richard Hendricks, in the HBO TV Series "Silicon Valley", portrayed by Thomas Middleditch

Cyber_Bytes - Issue 47

Published on 02 Dec 2022. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Ian Dinning, Senior Associate and Rachel Ford, Partner and Christopher Ashton, Senior Associate and Elizabeth Zang, Associate and Emanuele Santella , Associate

Welcome to Cyber_Bytes, our regular round-up of key developments in cyber, tech and evolving risks.

RPC Law x Web3: Considerations for NFT Founders Building Communities and Providing Utility to Holders

Published on 09 Nov 2022. By Nick Lauw, Partner

In the past when one purchased an NFT, the only expectation was that he, she, or they was purchasing rights in an asset (usually a digital artwork).

Recent developments in data subject litigation caselaw

Published on 10 Oct 2022. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Ian Dinning, Senior Associate and Rachel Ford, Partner and Christopher Ashton, Senior Associate and Elizabeth Zang, Associate and Emanuele Santella , Associate

Two interesting recent developments in the case law relating to data subject litigation. These further undermine the viability of low-value claims for personal data breaches for claimant law firms.

RPC Law x Web3: Ownership of Digital Assets in Web3

Published on 27 Sep 2022. By Nick Lauw, Partner

This is the inaugural part of a series of articles relating to legal issues around Web3. Over the course of the next few months, will hope to provide you with some thoughts and insights on the areas of Web3 where potential legal issues may arise based on current laws.

Singapore data protection update

Published on 15 Sep 2022. By Nick Lauw, Partner

New guidance from the Court of Appeal for parties involved in an action against another individual for loss and damage suffered as a result of a contravention of the provisions of the PDPA.

Cyber Incident Reporting Obligations for Hong Kong Licensed Financial Services Companies

Published on 02 Aug 2022. By Jonathan Crompton, Partner and Flora Leung, Senior Associate

The number of cyber-attacks is on the rise. In particular, financial services companies have been identified as key targets for threat actors in the Q2 of 2022.

Changes to data protection legislation in Asia – 2022 update (including Mainland China)

Published on 19 Jul 2022. By Jonathan Crompton, Partner and Yuankai Lin, Partner

Looking back on the last 18 months, the data privacy laws of several Asian jurisdictions have been updated to incorporate stronger protections for individuals’ personal data. This article provides an update on a handful of jurisdictions in Asia and summarises some of those main changes, including the far-reaching implications of the new data protection law in Mainland China.

Crypto crash could accelerate insurers rewriting policies to reduce exposure claims

Published on 15 Jul 2022. By James Wickes, Partner

The cryptocurrency crash could accelerate the process of insurers rewriting policies to reduce potential exposure, including making greater use of virtual currency exclusions, warns international law firm RPC.

Hong Kong data protection: cross-border transfers of personal data

Published on 20 Jun 2022. By Jonathan Crompton, Partner and Andrea Randall, Partner

We take a closer look at businesses' obligations under Hong Kong law to protect personal data in a cross-border transfer and the new recommended model contractual clauses.

42.2m people in the UK had their financial data compromised in breach last year- up 1,777%!

Published on 19 Apr 2022. By Richard Breavington, Partner

Financial data belonging to as many as 42.2m* people in the UK was compromised in data breaches last year, up 1,777% from 2.2m in 2019-20, says RPC, the international law firm.

ICO received 309 whistleblower reports from UK employees over data protection failures in last year

Published on 22 Mar 2022. By Richard Breavington, Partner

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) received 309 whistleblower reports in the last year* from employees over data protection failures at their employers says RPC, the international law firm.

EDPB guidelines on personal data breach notifications

Published on 14 Feb 2022. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Elizabeth Zang, Associate

Last month, the EDPB published their "Guidelines on Examples regarding Personal Data Breach Notification" (the Guidelines). These are intended to provide "practice-oriented, case-based" guidance on when it is necessary to notify the relevant supervisory authorities (the SA) under Article 33(1) of the GDPR and/or data subjects under Article 34(1) of the GDPR following a personal data breach.

"Remain vigilant": RPC warns businesses in wake of KP Snacks cyber attack

Published on 03 Feb 2022. By Richard Breavington, Partner

Business large and small have been warned to remain vigilant to cybercrime after British snack company KP Snacks confirmed it had fallen victim to a ransomware attack which disrupted its food production and distribution.

The Supreme Court hands down judgment in Lloyd v Google

Published on 10 Nov 2021. By David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

In a keenly anticipated judgment that has significant ramifications for UK data protection, the Supreme Court has today overturned the Court of Appeal's decision in Lloyd v Google and restored the original order made by the High Court, refusing the claimant's application for permission to serve proceedings on Google outside the jurisdiction.

Case comment: striking out of privacy and confidence actions in the Dixons data breach case

Published on 10 Aug 2021.

The number of claims issued in the High Court (Media and Communications List) with a data protection element continues to increase. The rise in claim numbers can be attributed to a number of factors including: (i) individuals becoming more aware of their rights under data protection legislation, (ii) uncertainty as to whether individuals may recover damages for a loss of control of their personal data without proving material damage or distress; (iii) the abundance of specialist law firms who are prepared to act for individuals on a "no-win-no-fee" basis and (iv) the availability of After the Event ("ATE") insurance to protect a would-be claimant against adverse costs orders.

Upcoming changes to data protection legislation in Asia

Published on 22 Dec 2020. By Jonathan Crompton, Partner

The data privacy landscape in Asia is varied, complex and evolving. We are already seeing the wheels of change in motion as the data privacy laws of several Asian jurisdictions are being updated to reflect more closely the European data protection regime. This article summarises some of those changes.

Schrems II – Groundhog Day for Data Transfers

Published on 17 Jul 2020.

On Thursday 16 July, the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) delivered its judgment in one of the most highly anticipated court cases in data protection, Case C-311/18 Data Protection Commissioner v Facebook Ireland Limited, Maximillian Schrems (widely referred to as “Schrems II”). This decision came almost 8 months after Advocate General Saugmandsgaard Øe published his Opinion, which albeit not binding, provided a strong indication for the CJEU's judgment.

Restarting your business and implementing Government guidance to support NHS Test and Trace

Published on 02 Jul 2020. By Jon Bartley, Partner

In its latest guidance on keeping workers and customers safe during COVID-19 in restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services (23 June 2020), the Government has recommended that businesses operating in these sectors keep a temporary record of customers and visitors for 21 days. This will assist NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed.

Cybersecurity and COVID-19: Opportunities for change in the face of challenge

Published on 27 Mar 2020.

COVID-19 is not the first and will not be the last pandemic, but it is the first one that has brought the importance of cyber resilience and adaptability in the era of global trade to the forefront of many businesses' minds.

Are you compliant with the new rules in Singapore? Asia? Beyond?

Published on 27 Feb 2020.

With the implementation of the GDPR in Europe (2018) and the rise of serious cyber-attacks in Asia, many APAC countries are making major changes to their data privacy laws. Navigating the various regulatory regimes can be complex particularly for companies doing business across the region and beyond.

No Deal Brexit – implications for data and privacy law compliance

Published on 17 Oct 2019. By Jon Bartley, Partner and Richard Breavington, Partner

The Brexit rollercoaster ride continues. At the time of writing, the UK and EU have just announced the agreement of a new withdrawal deal but there are serious doubts about whether it will be backed by Parliament. Despite the requirements of the Benn Act, the risk of the UK leaving the EU without a deal continues to be a concern.

Brexit does not spell the end of the GDPR

Published on 08 Feb 2017.

The General Data Protection Regulation (the GDPR) is due to become law on 25 May 2018. As this will be before “Brexit” (Britain’s exit from the EU) takes effect, the GDPR will apply in the UK from that date.

Apps: regulators globally push for data transparency

Published on 16 Feb 2015.

“Not in front of the telly: Warning over ‘listening’ TV”.

DSAR Response

Designed to minimise stress and maximise compliance. We offer tailored packages to respond to specific circumstances.

ReSecure

An innovative, lawyer-led and fully comprehensive international breach response service.

Data & Cyber

In a world where data transcends borders, cyber-attacks are common and privacy regulation struggles to keep pace with innovation, expert legal counsel is business critical.

Data Breach

With data breaches on the rise - many of them avoidable – our multifaceted team of data breach lawyers are ready to spring into action the moment you face a data security incident. 

Data Disputes

Combining high-quality legal and technical expertise, our technology data dispute lawyers work closely with you to deliver commercial solutions across a wide range of technology issues.

Data Advisory

With strict regulations like the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in place, robust data protection has never been more crucial. Protect your interests, tap into our deep-rooted data compliance expertise.

Improving HMRC’s Approach to Dispute Resolution

Published on 19 Jun 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Liam McKay, Of Counsel

This article considers the recently launched consultation aimed at modernising HMRC’s approach to resolving tax disputes.

No Retreat on UK Digital Services Tax – For Now

Published on 12 Jun 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Liam McKay, Of Counsel

This blog considers recent speculation concerning the future of the UK's Digital Services Tax in the context of trade negotiations between the UK and the USA.

Falling Fowl in personal injury claims: the Animals Act 1971, fundamental dishonesty, quantum and forum shopping

Published on 11 Jun 2025. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer Manager

Whether you're dealing with claims under the Animals Act 1971, fundamental dishonesty, quantum disputes or what forum to choose, Boyd v Hughes [2025] deals with it all. Here we discuss the principles before the court in a claim that arose out of a personal injury claim after a fall from a horse and what it means for personal injury cases going forwards.

Court of Appeal confirms pre-construction costs qualify for capital allowances

Published on 05 Jun 2025. By Daniel Williams, Associate

In Orsted West of Duddon Sands (UK) Ltd and others v HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 279, the Court of Appeal held that expenditure incurred in designing windfarms and on studies informing the installation could qualify for capital allowances.

Tax Bites - June 2025

Published on 03 Jun 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Daniel Williams, Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of RPC's Tax Bites – providing monthly bite-sized updates from the tax world.

Lawyers Covered - May 2025

Published on 30 May 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Cecilia Everett, Partner and Helen Kerr, Senior Associate and Karl Shortman, Associate and Laura Sponti, Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Blowing the whistle!

Published on 29 May 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Tom Holden, Associate

Adam Craggs and Tom Holden consider the US and Canadian 'whistleblower' models in light of the government's plans for a new reward scheme inspired by these, as well as the existing HMRC rewards scheme this initiative will complement.

CAT Collective Proceedings - Summer 2025 update

Published on 28 May 2025. By Chris Ross, Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech and Zoe Mernick-Levene, Partner

Developments in the UK’s competition collective proceedings regime continue apace with new claims recently issued in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT).

Contentious Tax Quarterly Review – Spring 2025

Published on 22 May 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Liam McKay, Of Counsel

This Contentious Tax Review provides an update on a number of recent important decisions in the tax disputes arena.

Former England captain's IR35 battle with HMRC ends in a score draw

Published on 15 May 2025. By Alexis Armitage, Senior Associate

In Bryan Robson Ltd v HMRC [2025] TC09408, the First-tier Tribunal considered the IR35 legislation in relation to ex-England footballer Bryan Robson. It found payments made for his ambassadorial role at Manchester United fell within the scope of the IR35 legislation, while payments made to him in respect of his image rights did not.

Taxing Matters: Mental Health Awareness Week: breaking down mental barriers in the mind with Jo Maughan

Published on 13 May 2025.

In this special Mental Health Awareness Week episode of Taxing Matters, host Alexis Armitage welcomes Jo Maughan, career coach and former tax director, to discuss how professionals can manage their critical inner voice and break down mental barriers in their mind.