Will Tech Law Become Central To The Legal Ecosystem?

With several things that were on technology “slow burners” having come to a boil in recent times, it is possibly the right time to ponder over corresponding changes needed in the legal ecosystem

In 2003, a few lawyers met in Mumbai to discuss the impact of the Internet and other advances in technology [most of them based upon the Internet] on the legal framework. They also discussed the ways in which they could help shape the legal framework to cope with advances in technology. The Technology Law Forum was an outcome of that meeting.

Since then, there have been significant advances in technology [and, to a lesser extent, corresponding changes in regulations, statutes, contracts and intellectual property rights]. But, several things that were on technology “slow burners” appear to have come to the boil in recent times. And some more are on the verge of doing so. Technology gurus provide us valuable insights into the implications of contemporary/emerging technologies – listed in the table below. Perhaps it is the right time to ponder over the corresponding changes needed in the legal ecosystem:

1. What does this mean for us?

While all implications are not fully clear even to experts, these technologies are sure to have a profound impact on the way we:

a. Work

b. Play, or entertain ourselves

c. Interact socially

Each of the aforesaid technologies, has several businesses underlying or associated with them. For instance, entertainment is now big business. And so is social interaction.

2. Which areas of law are likely to be impacted? Or have already been impacted?

Apart from the Information Technology Act, there are many other laws that have been impacted by advances in technology. Besides, the implementation and enforcement of law has also changed significantly. And this is just the beginning.

Here are some of the laws that have an “Internet dimension” [that is to say, these laws have amendments related to the internet; or their implementation has been impacted by the Internet]

1. Contract law