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Hong Kong judges try out AI to speed up transcribing as lawyers see tech’s potential
Original article seen at: www.scmp.com on July 9, 2023
tldr
- 🔍 Hong Kong's judiciary is testing AI for real-time Cantonese voice-to-text transcription.
- ⚖️ AI cannot replace humans in the judiciary due to its lack of critical thinking, legal knowledge, and empathy.
- 🔐 The judiciary has no plans to use the ChatGPT tool due to potential data security risks.
- 🇨🇳 In mainland China, judges are required to consult an AI system for every case.
- ⚠️ There are concerns about generative AI tools producing factually incorrect statements.
summary
Hong Kong's judiciary is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to expedite courtroom processes, specifically through real-time Cantonese voice-to-text transcription. The pilot scheme, which began in 2021, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year. Initial results indicate room for improvement, particularly in transcribing legal jargon. The judiciary has no plans to allow judges to use the ChatGPT tool, citing potential data security risks. Lawyers and law firms in the city have been using AI tools for document review and due diligence work, with some venturing into generative AI. However, experts caution that while AI can speed up processes, it cannot replace humans in the judiciary as it lacks critical thinking, legal knowledge, and empathy. There are also concerns about generative AI tools producing factually incorrect statements. In mainland China, judges are required to consult an AI system for every case, a practice that remains controversial.starlaneai's full analysis
The use of AI in Hong Kong's judiciary represents a significant step in the integration of AI into legal proceedings. While the technology can expedite processes, it cannot replace human judges due to its lack of critical thinking, legal knowledge, and empathy. Moreover, there are concerns about data security risks and the potential for AI tools to produce factually incorrect statements. These challenges highlight the need for careful implementation and ongoing evaluation of AI in the judiciary. The pilot scheme in Hong Kong could serve as a model for other jurisdictions considering similar initiatives. However, the controversy surrounding the mandatory use of AI in mainland China's judiciary underscores the potential risks and ethical considerations involved. As AI continues to evolve, it will be crucial to balance the benefits of efficiency and speed with the need for accuracy, security, and human oversight in legal proceedings.
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starlaneai's Ratings & Analysis
Technical Advancement
65 The use of AI in the judiciary, particularly for real-time transcription, represents a significant technical advancement. However, the technology still needs improvement, especially in transcribing legal jargon.
Adoption Potential
30 The adoption potential is moderate. While AI can speed up legal processes, it cannot replace human judges. Moreover, there are concerns about data security risks.
Public Impact
70 The public impact is high. The use of AI in the judiciary can expedite legal proceedings, which can benefit the public by reducing the backlog of cases.
Innovation/Novelty
55 The novelty is moderate. The use of AI in the judiciary is not entirely new, but the real-time Cantonese voice-to-text transcription is a novel application.
Article Accessibility
50 The accessibility is moderate. The article is written in a way that is understandable to a general audience, but some technical terms may be difficult for non-experts to understand.
Global Impact
35 The global impact is moderate. While the use of AI in the judiciary can potentially be adopted globally, the specific application in this article is focused on Hong Kong.
Ethical Consideration
60 The ethical consideration is high. The article discusses the potential risks of using AI in the judiciary, including the production of factually incorrect statements.
Collaboration Potential
40 The collaboration potential is moderate. The use of AI in the judiciary involves collaboration between the judiciary and technology companies, but the article does not discuss broader industry collaboration initiatives.
Ripple Effect
45 The ripple effect is moderate. The use of AI in the judiciary can potentially affect other sectors, such as law enforcement and legal education.
Investment Landscape
50 The AI investment landscape change is moderate. The use of AI in the judiciary can attract investment in legal tech, but the article does not discuss specific investment trends.