consultation
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UK mulls security warnings for smart home devices
In an attempt to secure the millions of connected devices that find their way into homes in the UK, the government is considering baseline security requirements for Internet of Things products. The new rules could include mandatory labels that tell customers how secure a device is, and retailers could be prohibited from selling anything without an IoT security label. The UK has only just begun the consultation process, though, so these rules won't be written into law just yet.
UK government is considering a drone pilot test
The UK government is considering a "knowledge or situational awareness test" for all British drone owners, similar to a driving theory examination. The proposed quiz could be voluntary, according to the Department for Transport, or mandatory as part of a new drone registration system. It was referenced in a new consultation drawn up to keep casual pilots in check, while encouraging drone research by the private sector. "The safety of other airspace users and the general public is dependent on leisure drone users adhering to the rules and understanding the risks," ministers argue.
London plans to regulate Uber with driver tests and pick-up delays
Over the past year, London's Mayor and transport authority have held discussions over how best to regulate private hire taxi services like Uber, much to the delight of the city's black cab drivers. Boris Johnson suggested capping the number of unregistered vehicles allowed to operate, and also raised the idea of a Knowledge-like test to ensure Uber drivers had a better understanding of the capital's backstreets. Now, it appears, some of those suggestions could be implemented by Transport for London (TfL).
Don't like your mobile carrier? Ofcom wants to help you switch
When your contract is up and you're toying with switching to another carrier, the hassle of porting over your number might stop you from actually following through. UK communications regulator Ofcom realises that, so today it's outlining plans to improve mobile switching by putting the onus back on the carrier. As part of its consultation, the watchdog is taking feedback on whether it should force operators to scrap PAC codes and remove the need for consumers to initiate the switch, exactly like it's now doing with broadband contracts.
