Trilegal Technology Partner Nikhil Narendran Co-authors New ITechLaw Book on Responsible Artificial Intelligence

Bangalore, India: Nikhil Narendran, Partner, Technology, Media and Telecommunications at Trilegal has co-authored a new book, Responsible AI: A Global Policy Framework, an in-depth review that proposes ethical guideposts to encourage the responsible development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence. The publication launches a 90-day public comment period to gather stakeholder feedback and accelerate international dialogue on responsible AI in anticipation of a second edition later this year.

Published by the International Technology Law Association (ITechLaw), Nikhil worked for a year with a multi-disciplinary team of 53 other technology law experts, researchers and industry representatives from 16 countries to develop a detailed, actionable framework of eight core discussion principles related to responsible AI.

Nikhil was the Chapter Lead for the Accountability chapter and lead the research and offered proposed solutions focused on Accountability, which deals with subjects including AI and “legal personality” (legal citizenship and status), identifying stakeholders, suggesting framework for accountability and liability, and accountability for government’s use of AI. The chapter recommends keeping Humans behind the Machine as a core principle.

Speaking about the project, Nikhil Narendran, Partner, Trilegal, said, “Artificial Intelligence is not science fiction any more. Many financial institutions, health service providers and technology companies have already deployed AI solutions for providing services to customers. It has already started to transform the way we work, travel and live. AI along with data will power the fourth industrial revolution and it will have far reaching implications on our society, workforce and the government. Our project aims to start a discussion around legal and ethical issues to promote responsible AI for the welfare of the human race.”

The other 7 discussion principles explore and offer practical application around Ethical Purpose and Societal Benefit, Transparency and Explainability, Fairness and Non-discrimination, Safety and Reliability, Open Data and Fair Competition, Privacy and AI Rights and Intellectual property.

Nikhil joins ITechLaw and the authors in inviting all stakeholders — industry representatives, policy-makers, researchers, and general public – to read the publication and its accompanying draft policy framework and then submit feedback at  www.itechlaw.org/ResponsibleAI by September 15. Comments also may be emailed to ResponsibleAI@itechlaw.org.

 “The accelerating rate of progress in AI research, development and deployment is both exhilarating and alarming,” says ITechLaw President Charles Morgan. “AI has enormous potential for positive societal impact but also for unintended and grave consequences. We owe our team of authors a debt of gratitude for recognizing not only that this technology places a great weight of ethical responsibility on all those who are engaged in the development and deployment of such AI systems, but also doing something about it. As lead author, I know Nikhil and the other contributing experts hope that this publication will make a valuable contribution to the ongoing efforts to promote responsible AI.”

The discussion principles and the framework can be separately downloaded for free from the www.itechlaw.org/ResponsibleAI website. A hard copy of the 304-page book, which explores challenges and proposes solutions for responsible AI, can be ordered for USD$45 by ITechLaw members and for USD$79 by non-members. An e-version of the book is also available for USD$9.99, downloadable from the website. All ITechLaw members receive a free electronic copy, and all attendees of the ITechLaw Boston, Dublin, Bangalore and Singapore conferences through April 2020 will also receive a complimentary hard copy.