Simon Chesterman's Blog, page 3

Through a Glass, Darkly: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Opacity

As computer programs become more complex, the ability of non-specialists to understand how a given output has been reached diminishes. Opaqueness may also be built into programs to protect proprietary interests. Both types of system are capable of being explained, either through recourse to experts or an order to produce information. Another class of system […]

“Move Fast and Break Things”: Law, Technology, and the Problem of Speed

Since computers entered into the mainstream in the 1960s, the efficiency with which data could be processed has raised regulatory questions. This is well understood with respect to privacy. Data that was notionally public — divorce proceedings, say — were long protected through the ‘practical obscurity’ of paper records. When such material was available in […]

Facing Up to Facial Surveillance

The benefits of facial recognition technology are that it offers a quick, non-invasive means of identifying people. Those are also its dangers. Last month it was reported that facial recognition will be used to take attendance in Singapore’s Parliament and check into certain hotels. The latest phones already unlock with Face ID and many buildings — […]

Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Autonomy

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are routinely said to operate autonomously, exposing gaps in regulatory regimes that assume the centrality of human actors. Yet surprisingly little attention is given to precisely what is meant by “autonomy” and its relationship to those gaps. Driverless vehicles and autonomous weapon systems are the most widely studied examples, but related […]

The Oxford Handbook of International Law in Asia and the Pacific

The growing economic and political significance of Asia has exposed a tension in the modern international order. Despite expanding power and influence, Asian states have played a minimal role in creating the norms and institutions of international law; today they are the least likely to be parties to international agreements or to be represented in […]

We, the Robots?

As computers surpass human intelligence and take on greater responsibilities, should they be given rights also?   Earlier this month, the Bank of England announced that Alan Turing would be featured on the new fifty pound note. The last to switch from paper to polymer, it is due to enter circulation in late 2021. Turing […]

The Oxford Handbook of United Nations Treaties

The United Nations is a vital part of the international order. Yet this book argues that the greatest contribution of the UN is not what it has achieved (improvements in health and economic development, for example) or avoided (global war, say, or the use of weapons of mass destruction). It is, instead, the process through […]

Should We Regulate A.I.? Can We?

  Artificial intelligence is viewed by many as the defining technology of the 21st century. But how can we ensure that its benefits outweigh the potential risks?   This week marked a grim anniversary of sorts for artificial intelligence (AI). On a Sunday night this time last year, Elaine Herzberg stepped off an ornamental median […]

Are University Students Products or Customers?

The Times Higher Education World Academic Summit begins today in Singapore, including the launch tomorrow night of the World University Rankings 2019. But how should we value a university education?   Discussion about proposed changes to the pathway to legal practice in Singapore has tended to focus on whether this will make it harder to […]

Codes, Puzzles, and Conundrums

The fourth book in the trilogy is now available! (Well, a companion book that makes an ideal present for a know-it-all relative — or a precocious child whom you want to keep quiet for a few hours…) Enter the world of secret codes, cunning puzzles, and mind-bending conundrums. Inspired by the Raising Arcadia series, this book […]