Global timekeeping rules change: leap second scrapped from 2027
Global timekeeping authorities have decided to scrap the 'leap second' starting in 2027 to ensure more stable time synchronization. The move aims to prevent technical disruptions in digital infrastructure caused by the irregular addition of seconds.
Why it matters
The change is critical for global technology, telecommunications, and satellite systems that rely on precise, continuous timekeeping.
Global timekeeping rules change: leap second scrapped from 2027 The world's official time standard will stop adding leap seconds from 20 May 2027. The General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) decided to end the practice on Thursday 15 October 2026.
The resolution was adopted at the conference's 28th meeting in Versailles, where delegates discussed the future of world time.
Until now, leap seconds have been added from time to time to keep atomic time in line with the Earth's rotation. But from 20 May 2027, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) will run continuously, with no interruptions.
The old rules were meant to keep two different ways of measuring time in step. UTC is based on extremely precise atomic clocks. Astronomical time depends on the Earth's rotation, and that rotation speed varies slightly.
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