STL Hosts International Workshop on Comparative AI Law

On September 28-29, 2024, Peking University School of Transnational Law (STL) hosted the “International Workshop on Comparative AI Law” at the Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School. The event attracted significant attention from global legal and AI communities, supported by esteemed institutions such as Chang Tsi & Partners, EBS University’s Center for Digitalization and Law in Germany, and key government bodies, including the Nanshan District Justice Bureau and the Nanshan District Bureau of Industry and Information Technology.

Organized by STL Assistant Professor Gilad Abiri, Professor Dai Xin from PKU Law School, and Professor Emanuel V. Towfigh from EBS Law School (also Distinguished Scholar in Residence at STL), the workshop featured eight thematic sessions exploring key topics like AI governance, liability, intellectual property, market transformation, legal professions, and content regulation. The rich and dynamic discussions captivated a global audience, underscoring the importance of comparative legal frameworks in addressing AI challenges.

Over the two-day event, scholars and practitioners from China, Germany, France, and Australia engaged in crucial discussions about the legal dimensions of AI governance, accountability, intellectual property rights, and market transformation. Roundtable sessions bridged theoretical insights with real-world applications, offering solutions to some of the most pressing legal challenges posed by AI technologies.

One of the key highlights was the symposium’s alignment with recent Chinese government policies, including the “Interim Measures for the Administration of Generative AI Services” and the “Regulations on Algorithm Recommendations for Internet Information Services.” These discussions provided critical legal guidance for businesses seeking to innovate and expand internationally while navigating regulatory requirements. The conference themes reflected global technological trends and the Chinese government’s focus on ethical AI development, emphasizing the protection of personal data, trade secrets, and essential industry information.

AI and Global Governance: The panel on Global AI Governance set a comprehensive foundation for understanding the multifaceted challenges posed by AI technologies. Tania Sourdin from the University of Newcastle shared insights on AI governance from the perspectives of government, the judiciary, and large law firms, highlighting the need for cohesive frameworks. Linghan Zhang from China University of Political Science and Law emphasized the importance of aligning AI governance with human values and societal needs. Delphine Dogot from Université catholique de Lille explored the role of AI in global security governance, advocating for normative approaches that ensure responsible integration. Moderated by Gilad Abiri, the discussions underscored the urgent necessity for collaborative governance models in the age of AI.

AI and Liability: Panel 2 on AI and Liability delved into the evolving legal frameworks needed to address the challenges posed by autonomous technologies. Weiwei Shen from China University of Political Science and Law proposed a reimagined liability system specifically designed for accidents involving humanoid robots, highlighting the complexities of attributing responsibility. Christoph Busch, representing both the University of Osnabrück and Yale Law School, discussed the necessity of updating EU consumer law to better accommodate agentic AI systems, ensuring consumer protection in an age of increasing AI autonomy. Moderated by Yifeng Wu from Peking University, the session emphasized the critical need for legal adaptation to safeguard rights and responsibilities as AI technologies advance.

AI and Intellectual Property: Panel 3 focused on the intersection of AI and intellectual property, exploring innovative approaches to copyright challenges. Danny Friedmann from STL introduced the concept of "algorithmic dissuasion," advocating for strategies to de-rank potentially infringing content, thereby minimizing copyright violations. Jiyu Zhang from Renmin University of China examined the concept of fair use in the context of training AI models, providing a review of current legal developments in China and their implications for AI innovation. Moderated by Shaowei Mao from Peking University, the discussion highlighted the need for forward-thinking legal frameworks to navigate the complexities of AI-generated content and copyright protection.

AI and Copyright: Xin Zhang from the University of International Business and Economics presented insights on rethinking copyright within the AI value chain, emphasizing the need for adaptive legal frameworks as AI technologies evolve. Meanwhile, Renjun Bian of Peking University Law School argued that despite the complexities introduced by AI models, traditional copyright principles continue to hold firm, suggesting that established legal frameworks can coexist with innovative technological advancements. The discussions highlighted the critical need for ongoing dialogue and reform in copyright law to address the unique challenges posed by AI.

AI & IP Law in China: In a dynamic practitioner roundtable focused on AI and IP law in China, industry leaders discussed the evolving landscape of intellectual property amid rapid technological advancements. Jianfeng Cao from Tencent Research Institute emphasized the importance of adapting IP frameworks to keep pace with digital innovations. Frank Fan, leading OPPO’s compliance team, highlighted the challenges and strategies in ensuring compliance with emerging regulations. Xi Luo of Mihoyo shared insights on managing IP rights in the gaming sector, while Philip Qin and Liang (Leslie) Xu from Chang Tsi & Partners offered perspectives on navigating legal complexities in a fast-changing environment. Moderated by Renjun Bian from Peking University, the session underscored the necessity for collaborative approaches to address the intersection of AI and IP law in China.

AI and Market Transformation: Panel 5 explored the transformative impact of AI on market dynamics and legal frameworks. Ling Hu from Peking University Law School discussed how AI is reshaping traditional market concepts within current legal systems, emphasizing the need for adaptation in regulatory approaches. Sang Yop Kang, also from STL, focused on the implications of dynamic pricing strategies in platform businesses, highlighting how AI enables more sophisticated pricing models that challenge existing consumer protection laws. Moderated by Xiaoya Qiu from Peking University STL, the panel underscored the urgency of rethinking legal and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with AI-driven market changes.

AI and Digital Platforms: Panel 6 examined the alignment of AI technologies with societal values and legal frameworks. Emanuel V. Towfigh from EBS Universität and Peking University STL addressed the challenges posed by automated decision-making systems in the context of anti-discrimination law, highlighting potential biases and legal implications. Xin Dai from Peking University Law School shared insights on China's regulatory approach to "social scoring," discussing its implications for privacy and social equity. Jianfeng Cao from Tencent Research Institute focused on the intrinsic governance mechanisms of generative AI, exploring how learning algorithms can be aligned with societal values. Moderated by Li Yang from Peking University STL, the panel emphasized the importance of developing AI systems that are not only technically sound but also socially responsible.

AI and the Legal Profession: Panel 7 focused on the implications of AI for the legal profession, sparking lively discussions about its potential roles and risks. Elisabeth Paar from the University of Graz questioned whether AI could serve as a beneficial tool for judges or if it signals the onset of a more significant transformation within the legal field. Ray Campbell from Peking University STL explored how AI can empower vertical legal service paraprofessions, enhancing access to legal support and efficiency. Moderated by Liav Orgad from Peking University STL, the session highlighted the dual nature of AI in law—both as a tool for improvement and a source of concern regarding its future impact on the profession.

AI and Content Moderation: Panel 8 tackled the challenges of content moderation in the context of AI-generated content. Gilad Abiri from Peking University STL explored the role of generative AI as a transformative force in digital media, discussing its potential and the implications for content creation and moderation. Yilu Zuo from Peking University Law School provided a Chinese perspective on content moderation in the age of AI-generated content (AIGC), examining regulatory approaches and challenges unique to the region. Moderated by Danny Friedmann from Peking University STL, the discussion underscored the need for robust frameworks to navigate the complexities of moderating content in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Looking Ahead

As AI technology continues to advance, the international legal community must confront both challenges and opportunities in regulating AI systems. STL will remain committed to fostering international dialogue and building platforms that bridge legal and AI sectors. This workshop set a strong precedent for future discussions and is expected to shape AI legal frameworks both nationally and internationally.

By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, STL’s International Workshop on Comparative AI Law played a critical role in shaping the future of legal governance in the AI era.