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Technology is changing our world quickly. Innovations are revolutionising how we live. However, this fast progress also raises important questions. We must consider ethical issues, environmental impact, long-term sustainability, and personal data protection. As technology advances, we need to find the right balance between encouraging innovation and having proper rules and regulations.
Dr. Pavan Duggal, Advocate, Supreme Court of India; Expert Authority in Cyberlaw, Cyber Security Law, and Emerging Tech Law Tejus Pathak, Partner, ELP, discussed the DPDP Act and the rapid pace of technology. He mentioned a new agreement between China and France and highlighted concerns about AI producing false information. There's global uncertainty about this issue, especially in legal circles where AI is used for drafting arguments. Duggal emphasised the need for accountability in AI content generation, as some countries are already implementing strict laws while others are still developing compliance measures. He also mentioned the launch of Hanuman AI in multiple Indian languages, raising the importance of establishing legal liability for service providers involved in creating such services.
Nawneet Vibhaw, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, emphasised the importance of allowing innovation to guide regulations. Policy-making should involve careful consideration, especially regarding certification from urban local bodies and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) submissions. “Innovation, particularly in environmental conservation during urbanisation, should be encouraged. Utilising technology for quality monitoring in conservation efforts is essential,” he added.
Lakshmi Menon Nair, Director and Associate General Counsel, Head of Legal-India Geo, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, highlighted the interconnectedness between AI and humans, where each influences the other. The discussion focused on human rights, particularly data privacy, emphasising the need for data transparency and governance. He pointed out that concerns were raised about AI potentially replacing human jobs, with specific examples cited such as AI-powered face recognition in cities. “While these technologies offer benefits like smart traffic management, regulation is crucial to address surveillance risks and ensure ethical use,” he added.
Tejus Pathak, Partner at ILP, stressed the challenge of balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth, likening it to walking a tightrope. He noted that consumer behaviour in India tends to favour non-green technology, emphasising the role of
government in using taxes to steer behaviour towards eco-friendly practices. Currently, the government offers tax exemptions for solar panels and incentives for fuel-efficient operations. Tejus also briefly touched on gaming accessibility through the Xbox Game Pass and expressed appreciation for the audience's patience.
Komal Gupta, Chief Innovative Officer at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, shared insights on how she uses AI in her work. She emphasised its helpfulness in research, summarising complex information, and drafting agreements. However, she highlighted the importance of understanding its limitations, such as privacy concerns and the risk of generating inaccurate information. Komal stressed the need for responsible use of AI by lawyers and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure ethical and effective implementation.
Vani Mehta, Regional General Counsel South Asia, GE Aerospace, emphasised the importance of sustainability, particularly within their organisation and the broader context of global efforts. She highlighted commitments to reduce carbon footprints and achieve zero emissions by 2050, as well as advancements in sustainable aviation fuel testing. Additionally, she stressed the significant role of lawyers in shaping and implementing sustainability laws, especially in India, where there may be gaps compared to global standards. She underscored the need for collaboration among stakeholders to promote awareness and advocate for sustainable practices.
Through thoughtful examination and robust discourse, we can pave the way for innovations that improve lives while upholding ethics, preserving our environment, ensuring sustainability, and safeguarding personal data. Finding this balance is essential for nurturing a future where technological marvels harmonise with societal values and environmental consciousness. The panel was moderated by Mayur Vasani, Head of Legal, Southern Asia, India & Affiliates, Indonesia & Philippines, Kenvue.
