Canadian Securities Regulators Amend Benchmark Assurance Report Rules

Canadian securities regulators have adopted final amendments to rules governing designated benchmarks and benchmark administrators, effective May 5, 2026. These changes clarify assurance report requirements for independent public accountants, specifying the level of assurance, report type, and submission timing, and introduce a new requirement for certain designated benchmarks.

Texas AG Sues Temu for Deceptive Marketing and Data Harvesting

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against PDD Holdings, Inc. and WhaleCo Inc. (doing business as Temu) for deceptive marketing and illegal data harvesting. The suit alleges Temu engages in dangerous software functions that expose user data to the Chinese Communist Party, seeking up to $10,000 per violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

ICO v. DSG Retail - Data Protection Security Ruling

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has won a Court of Appeal case against DSG Retail Limited, reinstating a £500,000 fine for a 2020 data breach. The ruling clarifies that organisations must secure all personal data, regardless of whether individuals can be identified from exfiltrated data.

EU Legislation and Notices - February 18, 2026

The EU Official Journal L series published new legislation and notices on February 18, 2026. Key regulations include amendments to customs duty relief, restrictive measures for Zimbabwe, and new anti-dumping duties on imports from Thailand and China.

EU Official Journal L Series Daily View - February 19, 2026

The EU Official Journal L series for February 19, 2026, has been published, containing various implementing regulations and decisions. These include measures against terrorism, renewals of active substance approvals for plant protection products, and authorizations for feed additives.

NY AG Investigates Civilian Death at Sing Sing

New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation has opened a full investigation into the death of an incarcerated individual at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. The investigation is being conducted under Executive Law Section 70-b, which mandates review of incidents where a peace officer may have caused a civilian's death.

NY AG Secures Reforms and $2.5M Penalties for EmblemHealth

New York Attorney General Letitia James secured $2.5 million in penalties and reforms from EmblemHealth for maintaining inaccurate mental health provider directories. The settlement aims to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment for approximately 1.5 million New Yorkers.

State AGs Sue to Block Energy Funding Cuts

New York Attorney General Letitia James, joined by 11 other state attorneys general, is suing the Trump administration to block the termination of approximately $8 billion in federal energy and infrastructure funding. The lawsuit alleges the administration unlawfully cut grants approved by Congress, disproportionately affecting states with Democratic leadership.

USITC Investigates USMCA Automotive Rules of Origin Impact

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has initiated a factfinding investigation into the impact of USMCA automotive rules of origin on the U.S. economy and competitiveness. This is the third in a series of required reports, with input being sought from interested parties.

Defense Production Act Mobilized for Phosphorus and Glyphosate

President Trump has mobilized the Defense Production Act to ensure the domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The Executive Order delegates authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to require contract performance and allocate materials to protect national security and agricultural strength.