ABA taps prominent lawyers to tackle AI risks, opportunities
The American Bar Association is forming a new group to assess the impact of artificial intelligence on the practice of law and to address ethical questions surrounding the technology.
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Posted 8/28/2023, 6:15:00 PM
reuters.com
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Lawyers must trust their technology experts to determine the appropriate use cases for AI technology, as some law firms are embracing AI without understanding its limits or having defined pain points to solve.
Artificial intelligence (AI) poses risks in the legal industry, including ethical dilemmas, reputational damage, and discrimination, according to legal technology experts. Instances of AI-generated content without proper human oversight could compromise the quality of legal representation and raise concerns about professional responsibility. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently settled a lawsuit involving discriminatory use of AI in the workplace, highlighting the potential for AI to discriminate. Maintaining trust and credibility is crucial in the reputation-reliant field of law, and disseminating AI-generated content without scrutiny may lead to reputational damage and legal consequences for lawyers or law firms. Other legal cases involving AI include allegations of copyright infringement.
The United States Copyright Office has launched a study on artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright law, seeking public input on various policy issues and exploring topics such as AI training, copyright liability, and authorship. Other U.S. government agencies, including the SEC, USPTO, and DHS, have also initiated inquiries and public forums on AI, highlighting its impact on innovation, governance, and public policy.
The Supreme Court's "major questions doctrine" could hinder the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) by expert agencies, potentially freezing investments and depriving funding from AI platforms that adhere to higher standards, creating uncertainty and hindering progress in the field.
State attorneys general, including Oklahoma's Attorney General Gentner Drummond, are urging Congress to address the consequences of artificial intelligence on child pornography, expressing concern that AI-powered tools are making prosecution more challenging and creating new opportunities for abuse.
Senators Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley are holding a hearing to discuss legislation on regulating artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on protecting against potential dangers posed by AI and improving transparency and public trust in AI companies. The bipartisan legislation framework includes creating an independent oversight body, clarifying legal liability for AI harms, and requiring companies to disclose when users are interacting with AI models or systems. The hearing comes ahead of a major AI Insight Forum, where top tech executives will provide insights to all 100 senators.
The AI industry should learn from the regulatory challenges faced by the crypto industry and take a proactive approach in building relationships with lawmakers, highlighting the benefits of AI technology, and winning public support through campaigns in key congressional districts and states.
The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation discussed the federal government's use of artificial intelligence (AI) and emphasized the need for responsible governance, oversight, and accountability to mitigate risks and protect civil liberties and privacy rights.