I am a 50-year-old programming veteran with over 40 years of experience (yep, I started programming on an Apple II at around ten), a former business owner and business analyst turned law student and a paralegal. I am, though, first and foremost, a futurist.
A futurist specialises in studying and predicting future trends and developments. Futurists use a combination of research, analysis, and creative thinking to develop informed perspectives on how the world may change over time. They often work in various industries, including technology, business, law, politics, and social policy.
Working as a Radio Tech for Queensland Rail in the 90s, I could see how artificial intelligence could revolutionise how the world operates and uses technology. I have been waiting a long time, but I am excited by the next evolution of artificial intelligence that will allow me to pursue a lifelong dream.
For the last two years, I have been working on a passion project involving working with artificial intelligence (AI) and an autonomous drone with an AI brain that is voice and visually controlled. It can operate in the home and provide services to its owner. It is a cross between Knight Rider’s KIT (showing my age, as they say) and Wall-E, but it does fly. My house is fully automated and linked to Google Home and Mycroft AI. The technology is intrusive but has assisted me in achieving numerous personal and professional goals. This is why I believe it is time that the community embraces AI and its potential to revolutionise the legal industry rather than scare campaigns that AI will take over the world in the media.
I listened to one of my former lecturers talk and rubbish AI’s power or legitimacy. Still, I could not help but remind the lecturer that just 20 years ago, using Google was considered plagiarism, and yet now, if you are not using google or google scholar, you will never pass your studies. The world must and will adapt to these new technologies.
As a futurist, I am excited about the possibilities of AI technology, which has the potential to make legal services more accessible and affordable. I expect in the future, clients, via the assistance of AI, will be able to receive legal advice and services at a lower cost, and lawyers will be able to provide better and more efficient services to their clients.
However, I acknowledge that adopting AI technology now means that society has not addressed some distinct challenges and issues. One significant concern is the potential privacy issues. As AI becomes more advanced, there is a risk that notes and discussions could be stored in uncontrolled locations. Hackers could use the notes against individuals, which may have devastating legal and personal consequences. Considering these risks, we must ensure that AI technology is developed to protect individuals’ privacy.
Another challenge to adopting AI technology is ensuring it is used ethically and responsibly. The legal industry, businesses and the government are now responsible for ensuring that AI technology is used for the benefit of society and does not perpetuate existing biases or inequalities.
Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic about the potential of AI technology. With blockchain and drone technology advancements, society is set to advance even faster with exciting new services. As a futurist and AI stalwart, embracing AI technology is essential to remain relevant and competitive in the legal industry.
With my experience in programming, business, AI technology, drones and their implementation, I can see AI’s potential in the legal industry and our broader world. While there are challenges to adopting this technology, I believe that we must embrace the technology and improve the accessibility and affordability of legal services. However, we must take the time to consider potential issues with privacy, copyright, IP infringement and personal rights to ensure that AI technology is used ethically and responsibly. With AI, blockchain, and drone technology advancements, I see an exciting future for society.
I also wanted to share this fantastic image created exclusively with an AI brain. I have no doubt this image will begin a vigorous discussion on IP issues, but I think that is a discussion that everyone should engage in.