The benefits artificial intelligence has to offer the legal field are almost boundless. Whether it’s fast-tracking legal research, quickly drafting accurate and uniform documents, effectively organising and accessing data repositories, enhancing eDiscovery, or optimising contract lifecycle management tools this technology has the potential to transform the industry.

However, enjoying these benefits requires a comprehensive understanding of AI’s ever-evolving regulatory landscape. New legislation is being passed all the time, and laws vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction, which can make compliance a complex issue. While this has some legal professionals feeling reluctant to adopt the technology, the truth is that implementing it sooner rather than later may make it easier to adapt as more AI legislation is passed.

Having a hands-on understanding of AI technology offers context and tangibility to legal professionals grappling with the shifting regulatory landscape. Rather than tackling all the various AI laws at once while simultaneously working to understand the technology they regulate it can be simpler and more effective to implement early and then focus on changes in compliance using a working knowledge of AI.

Forming an AI Implementation Strategy

Organisations looking to effectively integrate AI into their workflows should begin by determining the best use cases. What applications does AI have in your organisational practices and what problems does it solve? Answering these questions will point organisations toward the right AI technology and form a foundation for implementation.

Determining the metrics that will be used to evaluate the progress of the technology is a crucial pre-implementation step. Without a clear method for quantifying the implementation’s progress, there will be no way to determine areas of improvement or gauge the technology’s efficacy. Furthermore, it is imperative to have visibility into how AI tools are being used within the organisation. Certain programmes can provide reporting on how users leverage day-to-day which provides insight into what use cases and tools make the most sense to start with.

The success of any implementation strategy rests largely on the shoulders of the people deploying it. Team members must have the appropriate (and ongoing) training to understand and utilise AI effectively, and there must be buy-in across the board. That can require a strategic shift in organisational culture designed to align disparate departments.

Effective data governance is vital to successful AI implementation. This applies to both the optimisation of the technology and adherence to compliance standards. Organisational data sets must be organized, accounted for, and easily accessible.

It can be advantageous to enlist the help of expert consultants when implementing and utilising AI technology. AI is vastly complicated and working with seasoned professionals can not only improve ROI but reduce risk.

Current and Pending AI Legislation Across the Globe

Once an organisation has a handle on AI technology, the compliance picture becomes clearer. Navigating this new regulatory landscape require an understanding of where laws currently exist, what those laws look like, and how they apply to both the industry and the individual organization. To get a better idea of all those things, take a look at some AI laws from around the world.

United States

The recently passed Colorado AI Act is currently the most comprehensive legislation regulating the development and deployment of AI in the US, but many forms of AI-related legislation have been enacted on both the state and federal level. These laws cover various AI-related issues like discrimination, hiring bias, data privacy, AI use disclosure and consent, and more.

Canada

Though Canada does not currently have comprehensive AI legislation, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act is expected to change that in the near future. The bill, which is currently under consideration by the Standing Committee on Industry Science and Technology in the House of Commons, offers a regulatory framework for AI development and deployment.

European Union

The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) began a multi-phased implementation timeline on August 2, 2024. The AI Act sets an international standard for AI regulation by providing comprehensive guidelines for safe, ethical, non-discriminatory AI use. It classifies different types of AI technology and poses limits and obligations on those who deploy them. It also identifies and bans “unacceptable risk” AI, such as social scoring, and establishes consumer rights regarding AI deployment.

Brazil

Brazilian legislators recently proposed Bill 2338 2023 which seeks to establish comprehensive AI regulations modelled after the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act. It intends to identify categories of AI technology, detail requirements for deployers and developers of AI, prohibit unacceptable risk AI, establish a regulatory body, and more.

China

China currently has several specific AI regulations but has also recently released a draft of its Artificial Intelligence Law which not only proposes comprehensive regulations, but also seeks to promote the development of AI technology.

Conclusion

As legal bodies around the world continue acknowledging the inevitable rise of AI technology through regulatory legislation, organisations who stand to benefit from AI should seriously consider adopting it sooner rather than later. Approaching shifting compliance obligations with a thorough understanding of AI technology can reduce risk and make the process easier overall. Working with AI experts can help fast-track and optimise AI implementation, allowing organisations to easily adapt their policies to changing laws.