A key benefit of quantum computing is that it may, in the future, enable a very substantial increase in computing power. This could create significant benefits, in the life sciences and financial services sectors (see our prior posts on the potential implications for these sectors here and here). However, it also creates potential risks.
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Covington Launches Election Year Toolkit
As the election season intensifies, companies face a rapidly evolving landscape of regulatory, compliance, and reputational considerations. With heightened scrutiny on political engagement, lobbying, campaign finance, and communications, organizations must be prepared to navigate complex and fast-moving legal requirements.
Drawing on our deep experience in election and political law, public policy, and regulatory compliance, Covington…
European Commission Seeks Public Input on CSDDD Guidelines: What to Watch
On June 12, 2026, the European Commission (“Commission”) launched its public consultation on guidelines (“Guidelines”) that will significantly shape the implementation of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (“CSDDD;” more details about the CSDDD available here). The consultation, presented in the form of a detailed questionnaire, is open until July 24, 2026. The…
CISA Releases Binding Operational Directive on Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk
On June 10, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 26-04 on Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk and the accompanying Implementation Guidance. In releasing the BOD and Implementation Guidance, CISA noted that the documents are “part of CISA’s response to the current threat landscape” and the impact of…
Singapore Updates Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI
Since our prior post on Singapore’s Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI, Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”) has published an updated version (Version 1.5) (the “Updated Framework”), incorporating feedback from over 60 organizations.
The Updated Framework, published on May 20, 2026, retains the same four-pillar structure—(1) assess and bound the risks upfront, (2)…
New Restrictions on Defense Contractors Retaining Outside Consultants Set to Take Effect
In January 2025, Covington issued a client alert noting that the National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”) for Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2025, which sets annual spending and policy for the Pentagon, introduced new China-related prohibitions on defense contractors and their consultants. The provision is finally set to take effect on June 30, 2026. Covington’s latest…
Amadeus IT Group Receives GDPR Fine
On May 26, 2026, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (“AEPD”) published details of its decision to fine Amadeus IT Group, S.A. (“Amadeus”), a Madrid-headquartered technology provider for the global travel and tourism industry, EUR 18 million in connection with GDPR violations involving Amadeus’s Global Distribution System (“GDS”). Amadeus voluntarily paid the fine, less a 20%…
California Reopens Opt-Out Period for Certain Interconnected VoIP Licenses and Refines Associated Regulatory Framework
Today, the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) issued a decision revising and clarifying its regulatory framework for providers of interconnected voice over Internet protocol (“iVoIP”) services. Most notably, the decision reopens the window for iVoIP providers to demonstrate that they do not provide services subject to a new license type that would, among other things,…
Online Safety in the UK: Social Media Ban for Under 16s and Other Recent Developments
The UK Government today announced that it intends to ban social media platforms from offering services to children under 16, alongside wider restrictions on certain online functionalities that the Government has identified as harmful to children.
The announcement follows the conclusion of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s (“DSIT”) consultation, “Growing up in…
How the European Commission aims to promote the EU quantum sector through the Cloud and AI Development Act
Much of the attention on the European Commission’s recent proposal for a Cloud and AI Development Act (“CADA Proposal”) has focused on its proposed cloud sovereignty framework, the implications for cloud service providers and public sector cloud use, and the mechanisms intended to encourage data centre development in the EU (we discuss those aspects of…