Artificial Intelligence in Legislative Processes: A Closer Look

Artificial Intelligence in Legislative Processes: A Closer Look

Author :- Maaz Rashid Momin, A Student of Government Law College, Mumbai

We are residing in the 21st century where humankind has seen many innovative inventions that have made their life easier, one of them is Artificial Intelligence. In its simplest form, artificial intelligence is a field, which combines computer science and robust datasets, to enable problem-solving. But is Artificial Intelligence useful in the Legislative processes of a country? Let us find out.

Several countries have begun to use AI in their legislative processes to various extents. These implementations range from automating administrative tasks to analyzing data for policy formulation. Estonia is known for its advanced e-governance systems, and it has integrated AI into its legislative process. In the United States, AI has been used in legal research and document analysis by law firms and government agencies. The UK Parliament has explored the use of AI to automate administrative tasks and improve the efficiency of parliamentary operations. They have also used AI to analyze large datasets for policy research and development. There are several other countries that have embraced the use of AI in legislation such as Canada, Israel, Ukraine, etc. 

Artificial intelligence can be useful in various aspects of legislation such as Legal Research and Analysis, AI-powered legal research tools can quickly sift through vast databases of statutes, case law, and legal documents to provide relevant information and precedents. This helps lawmakers and legal professionals save time and make informed decisions. Natural Language Policy (NLP), is a technology that enables AI systems to understand and process human language. It can be used to draft legislation in plain language, making it more accessible to the general public. It can also be useful in Document review and Contract Analysis, AI can review contracts and legal documents, extracting key information and identifying potential issues or discrepancies. This is especially useful in regulatory compliance and contract management. Another important use of AI is Sentiment Analysis and Risk Management, AI can analyze public sentiment on social media and other online platforms to gauge public opinion on proposed legislation which will be helpful for lawmakers in decision-making, moreover, AI can assess the legal and compliance risks associated with various business activities, helping organizations make informed decisions and avoid potential legal issues.

But as said by American computer scientist Fei Fei Li "AI is not a replacement for humans. We, as humans, still need to define the rules and the ethical framework to ensure AI is a positive force in society." Therefore, while AI offers numerous advantages in legislation, it also presents several potential drawbacks and challenges that need to be carefully considered and addressed. The foremost concern that needs to be addressed is data privacy, AI systems often require access to large amounts of data, which can raise privacy concerns, especially when handling sensitive legal information, ensuring the security and privacy of this data is crucial. Moreover, it is important to note that there will be Bias and Fairness issues while using AI in legislation as AI systems can inherit biases present in the data they are trained on, which can lead to discriminatory outcomes in legislation. If historical data contains biases, AI may perpetuate or even exacerbate these biases when making legal decisions. Another major concern while using AI will be Job displacement which is a major concern for developing countries like India which is already dealing with the problem of unemployment. The automation of routine legal tasks through AI can lead to concerns about job displacement within the legal profession. Paralegals, legal researchers, and other roles may be impacted. Also, AI lacks the capacity for empathy, compassion, and moral judgment that humans possess. This can be particularly important in cases where leniency, discretion, or individual circumstances must be considered. 

But this reminds me of the famous quote by Albert Einstein “In every problem, there is a hidden opportunity.” To effectively address these cons and challenges, India would need to develop a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for AI, promote transparency and accountability in AI systems, and ensure that AI is used in a way that is inclusive and respects the country's cultural and ethical diversity. Balancing the benefits of AI with these considerations is crucial for the successful integration of AI into India's legislative processes.