AI crucial in promoting equal justice

Artificial intelligence can help promote equal access to justice and enable a more democratic and inclusive society, said the Ministry of Justice in a press release.

The European approach to digitalisation and artificial intelligence is firmly rooted in our core values – human rights, democracy and the rule of law, said Minister of Justice Antti Häkkänen when speaking at the international expert conference on artificial intelligence at Finlandia Hall in Helsinki today.

Artificial intelligence can be utilised to improve the administration of justice, but we must also be aware of the risks involved. In digitalisation development, the transparency of activities must be ensured. Close cooperation between the private and public sector plays a key role here. Self-regulation is also needed.

"Europe has already been able to set a global standard for privacy and protection of data. During Finland's Presidency, we would like to encourage discussion on the possibilities and challenges that the development and introduction of artificial intelligence applications may bring. The importance of a system governed by the rule of law is highlighted at a time when the common values are being widely challenged in Europe," Minister Häkkänen said.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice in cooperation with the Council of Europe organised a high-level expert conference on the impacts of artificial intelligence on human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Helsinki on 26-27 February 2019. The conference, which took place at Finlandia Hall, was part of Finland’s ongoing Presidency of the Council of Europe. Finland will hold the Presidency until May 2019.