OpenAI’s ChatGPT has catapulted artificial intelligence into mainstream media. Despite being in its infancy, many people are starting to understand and test artificial intelligence technology both within and outside the workplace.

We decided to test out the capabilities of ChatGPT for ourselves and provided a search prompt relating to some of the anticipated risks inherent in the use of artificial intelligence within the legal profession. Here’s what ChatGPT had to say.

Our ChatGPT prompt 

“Write an article that can be published on LinkedIn discussing the risks associated with using AI like ChatGPT in the legal profession with a focus on the protection of client information, accuracy of information and other potential legal and liability concerns.”

ChatGPT’s response 

“The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal profession has the potential to revolutionize the way legal services are delivered. However, as with any new technology, there are also risks associated with using AI in the legal field. One of the major concerns is the protection of client information.

"AI systems like ChatGPT are designed to learn from data, which means that they have access to a large amount of information. This can include sensitive client information, such as personal details and legal documents. It is crucial that appropriate measures are put in place to ensure that this information is kept secure and protected from unauthorized access.

"Another concern is the accuracy of the information provided by AI systems. While these systems are designed to learn from data and can provide valuable insights, they are not infallible. It is important for legal professionals to thoroughly review and verify any information provided by an AI system before acting on it. This can help to ensure that any decisions made are based on accurate and reliable information.

"In addition to these concerns, there are also potential legal and liability issues associated with using AI in the legal profession. For example, if an AI system makes a mistake that results in a legal dispute, the question of who is liable for the error may arise. It is important for legal professionals to be aware of these potential issues and to take steps to mitigate them.

"In conclusion, while the use of AI in the legal profession has the potential to greatly improve the delivery of legal services, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with it. By taking appropriate measures to protect client information, ensure the accuracy of information and address legal and liability concerns, legal professionals can help to ensure that the benefits of AI are maximized while minimizing the risks.”

Comment

We tend to agree that efficiencies generated by utilising artificial intelligence solutions is expected to transform the way we carry out a number of our routine or simple tasks particularly in information driven organisations such as law firms. However, it is clearly not without risk.

Since the legal ramifications on the use and reliance on artificial intelligence are still being investigated, businesses should be mindful of the potential pitfalls relating to the inadvertent sharing of confidential information on these platforms and should also adopt strict verification measures in respect of any AI responses sought to be relied upon.