The last year has seen significant advances in the use of chatbots, exemplified by the ChatGPT service developed by OpenAI. The service is underpinned by both a language model and a knowledge base. The language model allows it to generate text by predicting which string of words is most likely to follow on from a user prompt. Peter Church, Counsel at Linklaters LLP, discusses how chatbots can be used, their relationship with legislation, and the issues both developers and users may encounter.

At the beginning of this year, the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting at Davos applauded the growth in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI. Against the backdrop of the world's biggest challenges, reports from Davos suggested that world leaders and business executives were cautiously optimistic for 2023. Reports have persisted throughout this year, with commentary lauding support for AI tech, while others point to a potential "dot.ai" bubble brewing. Time will unveil the answer. In the meantime, decisions regarding fintech and digital transformation point to an overarching mindset - investing in AI, with care.

In this Insight article, Rory O'Keeffe, Partner at Matheson LLP, will take you on a short journey through AI and Fintech, discussing their advantages and risks, focusing in particular on what the future holds for Ireland in this area.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere - in translation or navigation services, in software for the monitoring of an assembly line, or in CV screening tools. The EU has been negotiating the world's first attempt to comprehensively regulate AI for 18 months. On June 14, 2023, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council Laying Down Harmonised Rules on Artificial Intelligence (the draft AI Act). Dr. Jessica Jacobi, Partner at KLIEMT.Arbeitsrecht Partnership of Lawyers Ltd., outlines what European employers should consider in light of the draft AI Act.

When will companies face fines for data breaches? Recently, opinions of Advocates General at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) were published in two landmark cases on the imposition of fines under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). According to the opinions, data protection authorities (DPAs) should not be able to impose fines on companies regardless of fault. Data protection fines can be imposed directly on companies. However, this would require proof of an intentional or negligent act by an employee.

Valentino Halim, Senior Associate at WilmerHale, unpacks the recent Advocate General opinions in two landmark cases on GDPR fines before the CJEU, providing insight into key practical implications.