Welcome to the August–September edition of Global Insight. Our cover feature assesses the evolution of surveillance technology. It makes clear the benefits of integrating the latest developments in artificial intelligence, such as swiftly assessing huge amounts of data and streamlining security responses. Equally, however, there are serious concerns such as the support provided to autocratic regimes or countries where democratic backsliding has taken place. In Myanmar, for example, the military junta has used AI surveillance technology to monitor citizens and target dissidents.

Elsewhere in this edition, the feature ‘Private prosecutions: a careful balancing act’ covers the remarkable level of miscarriages of justice resulting from faulty technology implemented by the UK Post Office. Rather than adopting a healthy scepticism regarding the tech, the Post Office prosecuted its employees, leading to over 700 wrongful convictions and truly dire consequences for those involved. Rule of law issues abound.

Our online coverage ‘UK judge warns lawyers about risks of AI use in court’ highlights the dangers for the legal profession. Dame Victoria Sharp, President of the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, noted that while AI is powerful, widely available generative tools ‘are not capable of conducting reliable legal research’ and that there are ‘serious implications for the administration of justice and public confidence in the justice system if artificial intelligence is misused.’

As this edition of Global Insight went to press, total second quarter revenues for the so-called Magnificent Seven tech companies – including Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft and Nvidia – reached over half a trillion dollars. The rewards, then, are obvious, but this must not mean companies, legislators or regulators turn a blind eye to the many equally obvious risks, as technology in all its forms takes on a growing influence in ever more aspects of our lives.

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