AI and Governance

In a world where AI tech evolves so much faster than the law, how can public and private regulators keep up?

CAIDE’s AI and Governance theme explores what good governance mechanisms (in both governments and markets) look like and how they might empower us in adapting to fast technological change. How do you regulate with the technology of tomorrow in mind? And can the law adapt quickly enough to emerging AI challenges?

Research

This theme stretches from privacy regulation to consumer affairs and runs through the Ninian Stephen Law Program, one of CAIDE’s flagship research projects, focusing on regulatory approaches to technology.

This year, notable research outputs included:

  • Prof Jeannie Paterson’s research on automated financial advice, consumer algorithm transparency and the limits of protections against ‘unconscionable conduct’, presented at conferences in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong
  • Jeannie and Hui Chia also published research on the limits of legal autonomy.

Engagement

Whether for the legal profession or the general public, CAIDE has helped ensure AI governance remains at the forefront of conversation. This year:

  • Prof Jeannie Paterson presented to legal bodies, including the Australian Government Solicitors, the Australian Bar Association, Law Institute of Victoria and Supreme Court of Victoria
  • She also presented to private firms including G+L Gates, KPMG and King & Wood Mallesons
  • Additionally, CAIDE itself hosted panels on regulatory issues from ChatGPT to corporate ransoms, featuring CAIDE faculty and guests from both academia and the private sector.

Policy

CAIDE is also directly involved in helping formulate policy around the globe. In Australia, it is a regular contributor to government reviews on AI related legislation, and overseas it is a trusted partner for governance matters more broadly. This year:

  • CAIDE worked with the Department of Industry, the Office of the National Data Commissioner, Science and Resources, Treasury and many Senate committees
  • In Viet Nam, supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, CAIDE presented on regulatory issues across the Ministries of Justice, Public Security, Science and Technologies, and Information and Communications.

Teaching

CAIDE teaches responsible AI governance principles, both locally and internationally:

  • CAIDE continued its undergraduate subject AI, Ethics and the Law (with guest speaker Julian Hill MP providing an insider’s view of regulation), complemented by regulation-focused graduate subjects, plus an inter-university Summer Research Academy
  • Additionally, CAIDE ran visiting lectures and workshops overseas, with Dr Fahimeh Abedi presenting on regulatory approaches to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and Dr Shaanan Cohney presenting on privacy and AI at Georgetown Law School.

Research Projects