Professor Rami Khalil. (COURTESY PHOTO)

By Rami Khalil

The rapid emergence of AI has evolved in recent years, transforming every aspect of society.

AI is changing the legal profession, from automating repetitive tasks to predicting case outcomes. This offers opportunities for increased efficiency, accessibility, and inclusivity. However, clear and comprehensive legal frameworks are needed to govern the development, deployment and use of AI.

Legal frameworks can help address issues such as bias, privacy and accountability, which are critical for building public trust in AI. It is therefore necessary to explore the role of law in AI and the challenges associated with regulating the technology.

AI opportunities

One of the most significant benefits of AI in the legal profession is increased efficiency. Lawyers spend a significant amount of time on tasks such as document review and legal research. AI-powered systems can quickly analyze and categorize vast amounts of legal information, freeing up lawyers to focus on more strategic tasks such as negotiating deals and advising clients. AI can also streamline administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and managing client communication, creating more productivity for the lawyers.

Another opportunity brought by AI is increased accessibility. Legal services are often expensive and out of reach for many individuals. AI-powered chatbots and other virtual assistants can provide legal advice and guidance to those who cannot afford traditional legal services. AI can also improve legal translation services, making the information more accessible to non-native speakers and those with hearing or visual impairments.

AI also has the potential to improve the accuracy and consistency of legal decision-making. AI-powered systems can analyze data and predict case outcomes based on past rulings, enabling lawyers to make more informed decisions.

Risks and challenges of AI

Despite potential benefits, there are significant risks and challenges associated with AI in the legal profession.

A challenge is the ethical considerations of AI. Legal decisions have far-reaching consequences, and AI-powered systems must be transparent and accountable to ensure that they are making fair and unbiased decisions. The use of AI in legal decision-making also raises questions about the responsibility of humans behind the technology.

Privacy and security are also major concerns. Legal documents contain confidential information, and the use of AI-powered systems must be secure to ensure the information is not compromised.

When it comes to privacy, AI systems can collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data, raising concerns about privacy and data protection. Regulations could help ensure that data is not misused or mishandled.

Moreover, AI systems can be biased. Regulations could help ensure that AI systems are developed and deployed in a way that is fair and unbiased, and ensure that AI developers and users are held accountable for their actions.

AI has the potential to positively transform society, while also presenting significant risks if not properly regulated. The role of law in AI is critical for ensuring that AI systems are developed, deployed and used ethically and transparently.

Rami Khalil has been a professor at Sichuan International Studies University since 2012.