LAWASIA focuses on data protection in the context of AI

The Colombo Declaration on Data Protection in the Asia Pacific Region in the context of Artificial Intelligence was passed by the LAWASIA Committee on Communications, Technology and Data Protection and endorsed with an amendment by the LAWASIA Council.

The committee focused on the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) as an important research and investigative tool, the potential value of AI to legal practice, law enforcement, and the administration of justice, the benefits AI can bring to all aspects of legal administration and the rule of law, the need to ensure that the personal rights of individuals which are not unreasonably or unnecessarily compromised and the capacity of AI to reinforce rather than eliminate, discriminatory practices and undermine public confidence in the legal process.

Furthermore, the conference resolved that all LAWASIA member organisations have a responsibility to understand the potential uses and benefits of AI with respect to legal education and ongoing professional development, and with respect to the administration of justice.

Additionally, they have a responsibility to understand and promote an awareness of the potential limitations inherent in various applications of AI and other forms of artificial enhancement of human deliberation.

Member organisations should also encourage the adoption of regulatory and ethical practices applicable to any usage of AI which has the potential to unnecessarily compromise the rights of individuals or adversely affect the fundamental principles of the rule of law.