In a Law360 article, co-authored by data, privacy & cybersecurity partner Fran Faircloth and associate May Yang, the team reflect on 2023 Global AI highlights, noting “2023 stands out as a landmark year for artificial intelligence and for generative AI in particular.”
“The launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022 marked a turning point, igniting a global race among tech companies and investors to harness and evolve this burgeoning technology,” said Fran and May. This development brings a myriad of legal implications, touching on intellectual property challenges, data privacy and cybersecurity risks, and ethical considerations in AI Deployment.
In the United States, both state and federal governments are actively working on AI governance, but keeping pace with the rapid advancements in AI technology is a challenge. Over 25 states have introduced legislation on various AI aspects, and President Joe Biden’s executive order and the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed memorandum indicate a shift towards foundational AI governance guidelines at the federal level.
Internationally, nations are crafting legislation and frameworks for AI regulation. The European Union’s AI Act aims to protect rights while promoting innovation and outlining clear guidelines for AI system usage. Similarly, the U.K. and China have taken proactive roles in AI regulation, showcasing diverse approaches to AI governance worldwide. “Legal professionals should brace for an increasingly complex future shaped by AI’s integration into a multitude of sectors,” noted the authors. “The growing interplay between AI and law will likely demand new legal specializations, particularly in intellectual property, data privacy and cybersecurity, and AI ethics.”