UEA Technolawgy Collective Workshop: AI and Law

By Dr. Holly Hancock and Alia Kahwaji

On Monday 22nd June, a very diverse group of colleagues from across the University, including NBS, PPA, ECO, CMP, PSY, EDU, ENV and LAW came together in Earlham Hall to discuss topical issues relating to AI and law. The varied disciplines brought a number of different perspectives and insights to the matter.

Dr Sebastian Peyer (Associate Professor in Law), kickstarted the session with a fascinating keynote speech, raising big questions such as whether AI truly is intelligent, what is the cost of asking AI vs. what price do users truly pay, why do people trust AI when we know it can make mistakes, along with what do we actually want from AI?

Following this, there were a number of themed discussions which sparked lively debates. Topics included exploring what forms of regulation might be effective, questioning whether traditional approaches are sufficient or whether policy and education could offer more meaningful alternatives. There was also considerable reflection on what we actually mean by an “AI system,” alongside discussion of whether co-regulation might provide a viable way forward.

Concerns were raised about the long-term societal impact of AI, particularly the possibility that future generations may not develop certain skills as they grow up in environments where AI is pervasive and whether in today’s society they can have a meaningful choice not to use AI. This linked to wider conversations about the influence of platform ecosystems and the ways in which they shape both behaviour and capability.

Ethical considerations were central throughout. Questions emerged around ideas such as “reverse scaffolding”, for example, whether access to AI tools should depend on a user demonstrating a certain level of competence. Participants also examined the motivations of those designing AI systems, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency. Overall, the discussions provided significant food for thought.

Further discussions included how to progress these thoughts and ideas further, with plans to consolidate and develop research carried out by members of the group. If you would be interested in joining the Technolawgy Group and taking part in future events, please contact holly.hancock@uea.ac.uk / a.kawaji@uea.ac.uk