In the not-so-distant year of 2016, an astounding event unfolded that instantly grabbed hundreds of eyeballs. Uber, the transportation behemoth, introduced its self-driving cars to the streets of Pittsburgh as part of a rigorous testing phase.
The initiative, being at a nascent stage then, had encountered multiple challenges thenceforth, including a fatal accident in 2018. Few months later, though, the company resumed its testing initiatives.
Well, welcome to the realm where science, technology and law unite – a dynamic convergence that shapes our futuristic society in ways both demanding and awe-inspiring. From the above instance, it can be stated that Uber’s autonomous experiment was symbolic of a profound truth: our world is undergoing a seismic transformation, guided by a triumvirate of influences rather than a single force.
Scientific discoveries are sending ripple effects on technical innovations as well as the ever-evolving legal frameworks, which strive to keep pace with these rapid advancements.
Now, confronting the riddle at hand…
How Does Even Science & Technology Relate to Law?
Or,
Where Does These Three Different Areas Coincide?
Let’s delve deeper into these three domains:
- The virtuous circle of science and technology
Since time immemorial, scientific discoveries have catalysed technological advancements in ways we can hardly fathom. Let’s consider the field of genomics.
In the annals of human history, the year 2003 witnessed a monumental scientific milestone when the Human Genome Project mapped the entire human genome successfully. This collaborative global initiative stands as an enduring testament to the relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge. And, the result? Eventually, it laid the foundation for a host of technological breakthroughs like precision medicine and CRISPR-Cas9. While the former provides personalised treatments based on an individual’s genetic setup, the latest has the potential to cure genetic diseases.
Here, where does law come in?
Taking CRISPR-Cas9 for reference, this technological marvel alternatively raises certain ethical questions regarding human genome alteration, ownership of the genetic information received, approach to its appropriate utilisation, data privacy, etc. This is where legal frameworks come in! It’s law which can address these dilemmas and establish principled guidelines for the responsible use of genetic information. - The crossroads of technology and law
Coming to the next realm, technology is a persistent innovator that is pacing towards development at an unprecedented rate. Take the exponential growth of digital utilisation, for instance! We can’t imagine a day without internet now. Add on to that, our increased digital dependency! It has changed almost every aspect of our lives, starting from our ways of communication to making purchasing decisions and even following a career.
Where’s the role of law here?
With 830 million users already using internet and 1.2 billion expected by 2025-26 in India, it’s no surprise that issues of data privacy, copyright infringement, data breaches, cyber security, e-commerce & consumer protection, digital identity, authentication and many more are coming up. Technology and law has, therefore, become inseparable companions in this digital age.
Fast forward to the present time, and we’re witnessing another legal complicacy in the form of artificial intelligence (AI). This automated intelligence, further illustrating the intricate relationship between science, technology and law, has the potential to revolutionise industrial domains, from finance to healthcare, and at the same time, raises multiple ethical questions. It demands updated laws concerning autonomous vehicles, algorithmic bias, and data privacy. Navigating this evolving landscape is essential to ensure that technological innovation aligns with societal values and ethics.
A formidable challenge comes with AI utilisation in criminal activities. Instances like malevolent use of artificial intelligence to mimic voices and circulate offensive or threatening messages on social media aptly exemplify the scenario. Addressing such issues calls for a multifaceted approach that encompasses resilient legal frameworks along with technological advancements.
Clearly, while technology progresses to drive innovations, the law has to adapt to address the opportunities and complex challenges it presents. On a broader side, both these realms uphold the foundation of our rapidly-evolving digital society, ensuring that the advantages of technology are harnessed while safeguarding the security and rights of users.
This interrelationship has already given rise to legal frameworks such as Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). At home, the latest law proposed to deal with the modern technological ecosystem is the Digital India Act 2023, replacing the 22-year old IT Act 2000.
The Other Way Round:
It’s not ‘AI calls for legal frameworks’ only, but the other way round too. Even law requires the assistance of this newest technology to navigate the intricacies of investigation (especially, criminal) more efficiently. As the cornerstone of innovation in multiple domains, AI is intimately linked to law and has proven to be a game-changer in revolutionising how various cases are approached.
Let’s check out some of the many ways in which artificial intelligence helps law:
- Time saviour: AI applications save a lot of time and hassle by automating document analysis and information evaluation in merely a few seconds. They can swift through massive volumes of legal documents, case files and contracts with unparalleled accuracy.
- Aids in assessments: They help lawyers with risk assessment and swiftly grasping the gravity of a clause.
- Facial recognition: AI-powered facial recognition systems can assist law enforcements in quickly identifying victims, witnesses and even suspects, thereby, narrowing down potential leads and expediting locations.
- Conducting research: Professionals can utilise this technology to conduct in-depth legal research and stay updated on the changing laws and precedents.
- Makes legalese simpler: Legal language and the jargons are mostly unintelligible to clients. AI assistants simplifies such documents in minutes. Artificial intelligence tools can handle large volumes of tasks with ease, maintaining quality consistency throughout.
Science, Technology & Law: Prioritising their Interrelationship
In the intricate interplay of these three realms, it’s evident that science, law and technology are not standalones but deeply interconnected forces. From scientific breakthroughs sprout technological progress, which raises legal challenges. The law, in response, outlines the ethical contours to ensure responsible innovation and protection of society’s interests. Standing on the brink of social as well as digital revolution, this became even more urgent to establish norms for behaviours that are socially and digitally acceptable. We must consider the social realities shaped by these relentless innovations. For instance, the exponential growth of social media has facilitated unmatched connectivity and massive dissemination of information on the public forum. At the same time, it has increased incidents of privacy breach, misinformation and online harassment. To stay relevant in this transformative era as well as protect the society’s interests, the interconnected forces of law, science and technology has to work harmoniously. For, innovation propels progress and should also safeguard our shared values. Although law stands as one of the world’s largest industries, it typically adheres to conventional methods and exhibits a sluggishness in embracing change and innovation. However, in today’s landscape, scientific and technological advancements, coupled with evolving client expectations, unfold at an extraordinary pace. Grasping the nuances of these shifts has become imperative for law firms. Those who choose to overlook these factors may risk obsolescence in the coming years. Hence, embracing innovation and adaptation are the lifelines for the legal profession. As science, technology, and law continue their intricate dance, the practitioners of tomorrow can thrive by mastering and harnessing the power of this dynamic trifecta to navigate the ever-shifting currents of contemporary world.
Dr Rajiv Ganguly is the Professor & Dean (Science) at the Institute of Engineering & Management, University of Engineering & Management, Kolkata
Dr Ripon Bhattacharjee is the Assistant Professor at the National Law University in Tripura
Dr Shambhu Prasad Chakrabarty is the Professor & Dean (Law) at the Institute of Engineering & Management, University of Engineering & Management, Kolkata
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