The rise of social media and user-generated content has provided unprecedented access to information. However, it but has also led to the spread of misinformation and various forms of online harms, especially for young users. As more children spend time online, concerns around exposure to inappropriate content and inadequate protection of data and privacy continue to grow. This panel discussion brings together experts to share their insights on issues such as the challenges in regulating online content, the effectiveness of existing regulation models, the roles of various players in creating a safer online environment, and leveraging technology to improve content regulation. The panel will also look at how we can create a safer and age-appropriate online environment for young users, while also protecting their privacy. Finally, the discussion will cover the potential for public education to complement online safety regulations.

Speakers:
Ms Simran Toor, Chief Executive Officer, SG Her Empowerment (SHE)
Prof Sun Sun Lim, Vice President, Partnerships and Engagement, Professor of Communication & Technology, Singapore Management University

Generative AI has emerged as a powerful autonomous tool with numerous applications in various fields, including art, music, and design. However, its legal implications present several challenges. This panel will explore the extent to which copyright protection may potentially subsist in AI-generated works, as well as how copyright ownership issues of such works can be resolved under prevailing legislative regimes. The panel will also critically examine whether the computational data analysis exception covers the use of generative AI and whether these and other uses may also potentially qualify as fair use. The use of material that could include personal data which is accessible from the Internet has led to investigations for possible violation of data protection laws. Furthermore, the panel will discuss the legal analysis that emanates from the source material that may be used to train AI systems and the methods for gathering such material. Given that some of this source material may be potentially protected by copyright and data protection laws, there are concerns regarding the legality of such gathering methods. The panel will also discuss what kinds of data, works of art, copyrighted materials, and other materials are suitable for use in generative AI, and the extent to which rights may be cleared.

Speaker:
Prof David Tan, Co-director, Centre for Technology, Robotics, AI and the Law, National University of Singapore

Given that people’s experiences in immersive technologies (virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality; or collectively, “XR”) and eventually, the metaverse, more closely mimics / will closely mimic physical life, what legal and policy issues are practitioners currently facing, and what solutions are they using to address these issues? And then, looking 2, 5, and even 10 years ahead – how should we think about behavior in the context of these technologies, and new risks that will emerge? What rules are needed for effective mitigation of these risks and how can we best enforce them? At what level are these best decided – platform-wide, at the hardware level, at the app store level, at the distinct experience / game / environment level, or at the level of individual communities? What are the responsibilities of app developers, hardware developers, community moderators, and other parties involved in building and deploying these technologies and experiences?

We will look at the top current policy and legal issues prevalent in the development and deployment of XR technologies, current solutions – and, anticipating the increase in related challenges and opportunities – how these solutions could evolve, to address the possible need for a reimagined governance framework for XR technologies and the metaverse.

Speakers:
Mr Josh Lee Kok Thong, Managing Director (Asia Pacific), Future of Privacy Forum

Governments worldwide are increasingly using technology for enforcement and governance, including surveillance systems such as CCTV cameras, drones, and facial recognition. Data analysis and AI technologies are also used for monitoring and regulation. However, these technologies may raise concerns over privacy, potential misuse and biased outcomes. Governments and regulatory bodies need to implement safeguards and regulations to ensure individual privacy and data protection while encouraging technology use. Ultimately, responsible technology use for enforcement and governance requires a balance between security and privacy while protecting individual rights and freedoms. Join our panel as we examine the issues at the intersection of technology and law with regards to safety and personal privacy.

In this panel, the evolving regulatory landscape for online intermediaries will be examined, including the changing roles and expectations of internet intermediaries and calls for greater regulation. Since the 2000s, online intermediaries have generally been granted exclusion of liability and safe harbour provisions, with no obligation to monitor the content they host. However, some internet intermediaries now compete directly with merchants on their platform, monetize services through advertisement and paid ranking priority, and have access to and use data generated by merchants on the platform. The changes that have taken place include subjecting online intermediaries to requirements to block and carry corrections, and imposing obligations of transparency on intermediaries. Ongoing changes include the EU Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, which aim to impose higher levels of obligations on online intermediaries that meet the threshold for gatekeepers, such as restrictions on the use of data and mandatory provision of access to data.

Speakers:
Prof Ian Walden, Professor of Information and Communcications Law, Centre for Commercial Law Studies, Queen Mary University of London

Panel discussion on the impact of global developments in the regulation of online intermediaries on Asia, including the specific impact on Asian startups targeting EU and Japanese markets, as well as Asian unicorns with a global footprint. The panel will explore the potential trend towards greater regulatory alignment in Asia and comment on how quickly Asian governments might adopt these developments. Other topics include cyber security, common standards, and the implementation of safeguards. The discussion will focus on online marketplaces rather than network service providers.

Speakers:
Prof Ian Walden, Professor of Information and Communications Law, Centre for Commercial Law Studies, Queen Mary University of London
Mr Takashige Sugimoto, S&K Brussell LLP

Join our panel of experts as we examine what lessons if any can be learnt from the aftermath of the crypto crash, and what steps can be taken to turn from a crypto winter to a crypto spring. We’ll take a closer look at possible causes of the crypto winter and discuss the learning points to be gleaned. We will then consider whether the answer to the issue to further regulation, and what roles regulators can play. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on the future of crypto.

Just two years after the publication of his seminal book arguing against AI regulation, Prof Simon Chesterman will provide an update on the recent spate of legislative initiatives from around the globe that have introduced – or are imminently introducing – regulations for Artificial Intelligence. What are the policy objectives behind the regulations of recommendation systems that have been introduced in China and the EU? Policy makers are not stopping there. The EU is finalising – or would have finalised – their EU AI Act that regulates AI based on their risk profile. Likewise, Canada is reviewing her data protection laws to introduce a right to explanation and a new AI Act. With the entrance of generative AI on the scene, there are renewed calls for regulation and mandatory requirements for labelling deep synthetisis (ie deep fakes). The conference ends with an engaging closing address by a world-renowned author on AI regulation.