Malcolm Simmons considers Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the legal world

The term Artificial Intelligence can be defined as the simulation of human intelligence by machines, especially computers. In this digitally evolving era where computers, mobile phones, and tablets consume an abundant amount of time in our daily lives, the impending impression that looms over the world is that the era of machines controlling the human race is nearing a rapid speed. With that in mind, most great engineers of this generation are using their skills to harness the anthropoid-like technology to assist a variety of fields across the globe.

A considerable beneficiary of this technology is the legal world as Artificial Intelligence is being used to serve those in the legal profession and throughout the justice system. A prime example of Artificial Intelligence being applied to criminal matters is facial recognition systems which are used by the police to identify potential suspects amongst crowds of people. However, this technology has faced backlash as claims against its accuracy of detecting persons of a certain race. The erroneous use of this elite technology has succumbed to endless queries of the place of Artificial Intelligence in line with the elevated level of ethical standards lawyers are held to in the United Kingdom.

As with all other developments, statutory law must adapt and expand to encompass and rule with regard to each new sect of life. With the growth of Artificial Intelligence comes the evolution of law providing a legal framework for the use of digital innovation as well as ensuring safeguards are in place to protect the public. A prime example of the law progressing to accommodate the digital age is the implementation of the European Union General Data Protection Regulations that aims to protect people’s personal data.

A further risk which Artificial Intelligence aggravates is the possibility of negligence claims. As every solicitor is aware, all work must be inspected thoroughly to ensure the client receives accurate and up to date advice. With digital instruments requiring constant updates themselves, together with technical issues being a presiding frustration amongst technology, the potential for negligence claims to escalate is sincerely problematic.

With taking into thought, the above issues, one must also realise the very possible and probable solution in the improving world we reside in, that with every generation of the device, comes a newer, better, and less problematic version. There is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence, does and will increasingly continue to play a pivotal role in our lives, particularly in the legal world.

For further information on this topic or on any other legal area, please contact John Szepietowski or Kay Stewart at Audley Chaucer Solicitors on 01372 303444 or email admin@audleychaucer.com or visit our Linkedin page.

Larissa Bourgi

This information was correct as of September 2021

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