Ritika Sharma explores the legal ramifications of a world dominated by artificial intelligence

Technology is changing the world around us with increasing rapidity. New technologies are being incorporated more and more into our daily lives. Computer programs, algorithms and robots are replacing simple human activities. And artificial intelligence (AI) lies on the cutting edge of the technological spectrum in the industry today. Simply put, AI is the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent behaviour. The era of AI has begun, whether we like it or not.

Computer scientist John McCarthy coined the term “artificial intelligence” at a Dartmouth Conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, defining AI as the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. It is related to the similar task of using computers to understand human intelligence, but AI does not have to confine itself to methods that are biologically observable. It’s an umbrella term that refers to information systems inspired by biological systems, and encompasses multiple technologies including machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, machine reasoning, and strong AI.

Is AI regulated?

AI is poised to have a transformative effect on numerous industries, and is already permeating through all aspects of society, and in our everyday lives. AI adoption is so widespread that hardly any sector or industry is untouched, from education, healthcare, transportation, defence and security, and virtual reality to decision making and policy making.