At the recent INET-YSI-Bennett University conference, former Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, addressed the pressing legal challenges arising from advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. His remarks spotlighted the need for an updated legal framework to cope with the rapid transformations accompanying the digital age.
Chandrasekhar outlined the disconnect between traditional legal principles and the current technological landscape, suggesting that the existing legal playbook is increasingly inadequate. He stated, “What we know of the past, what we know about the legal playbook in the past is going to be completely obsolete. And almost from the ground up, there is going to be new jurisprudence and a new framework of laws, rights, and issues that will need to be adjudicated in the future.” This assertion reflects a growing consensus among legal experts that a fresh approach to jurisprudence is essential for addressing unique challenges posed by AI, including concerns over liability, privacy, and data ownership.
The conference, held on Saturday, served as a platform for discussing the complexities associated with AI technology. Chandrasekhar elaborated on the evolving nature of legal standards required to tackle new challenges. He remarked, “And in a lot of ways, that point, if you extend and expand forward to AI, holds true for artificial intelligence, for harm, for its applications, for privacy, for who owns what on the internet, monetisation of personal, non-personal data and there is a whole school, a whole area of jurisprudence that will be explored and written in the coming years.” This insight underscores the necessity for adaptive regulatory measures that can keep pace with technological advancements.
Chandrasekhar described this era as a transformative time for societies worldwide, asserting, “We are living in the AI age. There is no doubt that we are in the middle of a technology and innovation revolution that is something that has never been seen before.” His observations resonate with ongoing discussions among industry leaders about the profound impact AI will have on business practices and societal norms.
In addition to his focus on legal frameworks, Chandrasekhar also highlighted the strides the Indian government has made towards modernisation in recent years. He noted significant developments in infrastructure and digital advancement. “In the last ten years, India and for most of you who have lived and experienced India, there has been a deep tectonic transformation in India,” he stated. He pointed out that the tripling and quadrupling of the government’s budget, alongside India's recognition as the fastest-growing economy in the world, positions the nation as a key player in the innovation economy.
As businesses continue to integrate AI into their operations, the implications for legal practices and regulatory measures are becoming increasingly significant. The discussions at the conference reflect a broader trend within the business sector to anticipate the transformations that AI will bring, necessitating ongoing dialogue among policymakers, legal professionals, and industry leaders.
Source: Noah Wire Services