Cybersecurity and AI Litigation Risks Surge Across Key US Industries in 2026
Event summary
- Norton Rose Fulbright's 2026 midyear survey of 135 general counsel reveals cybersecurity and data privacy disputes are the top litigation risks across energy, financial, healthcare, and technology sectors.
- 56% of respondents report increased federal cybersecurity litigation exposure, up from 29% expected in late 2025.
- AI-related disputes are growing, with 46% reporting federal exposure increases and 41% citing AI deployments as potential class action triggers.
- Employment and labor risks persist, with 39% citing federal exposure increases and 44% at the state level due to new regulations.
The big picture
The survey highlights a rapid evolution in litigation risks, particularly around cybersecurity incidents and AI deployments, as states step in to fill enforcement gaps. Corporate legal teams are improving readiness, but rising compliance costs and regulatory complexity pose challenges across industries. The financial services and technology sectors face the highest exposure, with AI governance emerging as a critical focus area.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Fragmentation
- How state-level enforcement will offset federal softening in cybersecurity and AI litigation.
- AI Litigation Pace
- The speed at which AI-related class actions emerge as product deployments accelerate.
- Employment Law Complexity
- Whether in-house legal teams can manage rising compliance costs amid state-specific regulations.
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