Legal Technocalities Podcast

About Legal Technocalities Podcast

news about the interaction between law and technology, especially concerning how the law can and should respond to developing technologies in the fields of artificial intelligence, neuroscience and bioethics on a national and international level. legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com (https://legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Rhiannon Procktor

Category

news · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Aug 2024

Latest episode

24 Sept 2024

Latest episodes

5 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Sept 2024

   Ep.4: Neurotechnology and the Criminal Law with Dr. Allan McCay

   Summary Our conversation starts with an explanation of what neurotechnology actually is. Allan explains that it is a broad term that refers to technologies that monitor or stimulate the brain or nervous system, best understood by reference to examples. These include everything from cochlear implants, to deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's, and brain computer interfaces to Zoom. These technologies have various applications, from helping people with disabilities regain control over their bodies to applications potentially more dystopian, such as as lie detectors. The use of neurotechnology in sentencing raises ethical questions about individualized justice, privacy, and consent. Allan runs us through some interesting examples relating to sentencing and rehabilitation of offenders. We end with the emphasis on the importance of considering both the potential benefits and risks of neurotechnology in order to make informed decisions. Key Takeaways: * Defining neurotechnology is a nebulous task, and how we define it depends on how broadly we conceptualise of technology with an impact on the brain. * There are broad reaching human rights implications that come in tandem with the use of neurotechnology, such as privacy and consent. * There are interesting philosophical issues surrounding the use of neurotechnology, such as the impact of theories surrounding free will and the nature punishment. * There are some uses of neurotechnology in the courtroom already, especially in sentencing, but it is likely to increase. * You can currently participate in a brain controlled drone race. Find out more about Allan: Personal Website (https://sites.google.com/site/allanmccay/) University Profile (https://www.sydney.edu.au/law/about/our-people/academic-staff/allan-mccay.html) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com (https://legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   10 Sept 2024

   Ep.3: Does bioenhancement make us more or less free? With Dr. Ji-Young Lee

   Paper on Unfreedom vs Inability available here (https://academic.oup.com/jmp/article/49/2/195/7616028?utm_source=authortollfreelink&utm_campaign=jmp&utm_medium=email&guestAccessKey=531a9253-a3f7-4e82-b58c-6633e92ad2ff&login=false) Summary Our conversation explores the concept of enhancement and its implications. It discusses the distinction between enhancement and treatment, the potential negative impact of enhancement, and the societal perspective on enhancement. We examine the relationship between enhancement and human limits, the idea of unfreedom versus inability, and the potential implications of bio enhancement on freedom. The conversation raises concerns about new forms of ableism and the responsibility of the scientific and academic communities in the development of new technologies. Key Takeaways * We need to critically question the social narratives around enhancement and consider the wider societal effects. * Enhancements are not always positive, and we need to be prepared to have conversations to ensure that the drive for ‘more is better’ does not get in the way of the potential to enhance society as a whole. * Recognising the potential implications of bioenhancement on freedom and the concerns about new forms of ableism is vital to ensure that conversations surrounding ‘normalised bodies’ do not go unheard. Key questions we explore: * How broadly should we define "enhancement"? * Are bioenhancements inherently "good"? Can they actually diminish our humanity? * How do cosmetic and pharmaceutical enhancements challenge societal norms and ethics? * When does "moving the goalposts" actually limit our choices and freedoms? * Could bioenhancement lead to a "new ableism" and a reinforcement of a concept of a normative body? Connect with Ji-Young: Website: https://jyleephilosophy.wordpress.com/ Publications: https://philpeople.org/profiles/ji-young-lee This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com (https://legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   2 Sept 2024

   Ep. 2: Protecting Children and Promoting Creativity in Virtual Reality with Nina Jane Patel

   START HERE FOR KEY TERMS: https://legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com/p/virtual-reality-the-terms-you-need (https://legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com/p/virtual-reality-the-terms-you-need) Summary We explore the concept of the metaverse and its implications for children and society. First we look at what the metaverse actually is, including the immersive nature of virtual reality and the potential risks and benefits associated with it. Nina emphasizes the need for responsible use of technology and highlights the importance of understanding the impact of virtual experiences on children's development. We also touch on issues such as bullying, crimes against children, and the challenges of regulating the metaverse. Active involvement is vital in shaping the future of technology to ensure it does more good than harm, protecting children, and making sure that we can get the best out of these new and exciting technologies. Key Takeaways * The metaverse is an evolution of the internet that offers immersive experiences through virtual reality and other emerging technologies. * Virtual reality provides a sense of immersion, presence, and embodiment, which can have both positive and negative effects on individuals, especially children. * There are potential risks associated with virtual reality, including exposure to harmful content, modeling of negative behaviors, and physiological impacts on children's development. * Regulating the metaverse and ensuring responsible use of technology is crucial to protect children and prevent crimes against them. * Active involvement and awareness from parents, caregivers, educators, and policymakers are necessary to shape the future of technology in a way that benefits society. Nina’s website: https://www.ninajanepatel.com/ Keywords metaverse, virtual reality, immersive technology, risks, benefits, responsible use, children, development, crimes against children, regulation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com (https://legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

4. 

   26 Aug 2024

   Ep.1: Protecting Human Rights in the Age of AI with Dr Susie Alegre

   Summary My guest today is Dr Susie Alegre: an international human rights barrister and the author of the recently published “Human Rights, Robot Wrongs: Being Human in the Age of AI.” (Get your hands on it here (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Human-Rights-Robot-Wrongs-Being/dp/180546129X)) Our conversation explores the themes of the ‘Human Rights,Robot Wrongs’ book, including the impact of AI on creativity, the potential for chatbots to manipulate and incite harmful behavior, and the need for regulation and enforcement of human rights in the context of AI. We consider the challenges faced by creatives on social media platforms, the need for new platforms that protect artists' rights and perhaps what this might look like. Our conversation concludes with a reflection on the need to preserve humanity and be prepared for a future without technology. Listeners will greatly benefit from Alegre’s clear and insightful explanations as she guides us through some of the most pressing issues at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human rights. Takeaways * AI has the potential to impact various human rights, including the right to creativity, fair trial, dignity, and equality before the law. * Chatbots can manipulate and incite harmful behavior, raising questions about liability and the responsibility of technology companies. * Existing human rights laws can be applied to regulate AI, but enforcement and access to justice are key challenges. * Regulatory measures, such as algorithmic disgorgement, and the development of new legislation can help address the human rights implications of AI. * The intersection of AI and the rule of law requires careful consideration to protect individual rights and prevent corporate capture of intimate lives. Social media platforms pose challenges for creatives, but there is a need for new platforms that protect artists' rights and promote creativity. * AI and technology have human and environmental costs that need to be considered, including the impact on human rights and the environment. * It is important to be prepared for a future without technology and to rely on human ingenuity and cooperation. * The supply chain of technology, from the extraction of minerals to the disposal of electronic waste, has significant social and environmental implications. * Generative AI can have both positive and negative effects on productivity and cognitive abilities, and it is important to be mindful of its impact on human capacities. * Preserving humanity should be a priority, and technology should be used in a way that aligns with human values and respects human rights. Resources Human Rights, Robot Wrongs Book (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Human-Rights-Robot-Wrongs-Being/dp/180546129X) Dr Alegre’s Website (https://www.susiealegre.com/) Cobalt Red Book (https://amazon.co.uk/Cobalt-Red-Blood-Congo-Powers/dp/1250284309) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com (https://legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

5. 

   15 Aug 2024

   Legal Technocalities Podcast Trailer

   Hello and welcome to the Legal Technocalities Podcast. Through talking to leading experts across a wide variety of fields, we're all about starting conversations on developments at the forefront of technology, policy and the law. So if you've ever wondered if we can create superbabies, what the metaverse actually is, how chatbots may one day come to accept criminal liability, or if the answers to any of those questions are of interest, then join us every Monday from the 26th of August 2024. See you soon, Rhiannon Procktor SUBSTACK: https://legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com/ (https://legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com (https://legaltechnocalitiespod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

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Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.