UK Plans Overhaul of Cybersecurity Law Stymieing Researchers

Proposed Bill Could Reopen Debate Over Computer Misuse Act Protections Chris Riotta (@chrisriotta) • May 13, 2026

The British government announced plans to update cybersecurity legislation aimed at strengthening the country's digital defenses - while overhauling cybercrime authorities that officials and security researchers warn are no longer fit for modern threats.

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King Charles III announced the plans Wednesday during his speech opening Parliament, saying the government would introduce legislation "to improve the country's defences against cybersecurity threats." The announcement comes amid a renewed push by the government to modernize the U.K.'s cyber posture in a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.

The legislation could reignite debate around reforms to the U.K.'s decades-old Computer Misuse Act of 1990, which cybersecurity professionals ...