On Monday, November 25, 2024, Monash University’s Faculty of Law held its first Annual Digital Law Symposium, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to exploring the intersection of law and digital technology. The event, which took place at Monash University Law Chambers, brought together leading experts, academics, and practitioners to discuss the pressing legal challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.
Professor Chris Marsden, the director of the newly established Digital Law Group at Monash Law welcomed attendees and chaired the symposium. He highlighted the group’s mission to foster interdisciplinary research and collaboration in digital law.
The conference comprised panels presenting work in progress papers on a range of cutting edge topics, with expert commentary:
ALGORITHMIC REGULATION
Chair: Prof Chris Marsden (Director, Monash Digital Law Group)
Speakers: Associate Prof Maria O’Sullivan (Deakin Law); Dr Rob Nicholls (UTS/Sydney); Associate Prof Cheng-Yun (CY) Tsang & Dr Steve Kourabas (Monash CLARS); Dr Estelle Wallingford (Monash Business School).
AI AND THE LAW
Chair: Dr Calvin Ho (Co-Convenor, Health Law Group)
Speakers: Professor Margaret Hu (William & Mary, Virginia, USA); Dr Paul Burgess (Monash Law) & Dr Ehsan Shareghi (Monash IT); Prof Chris Marsden (Monash Law).
‘AI and the law’ session, chaired by Dr Calvin Ho, with speakers Dr Ehsan Shareghi, Dr Paul Burgess, Professor Margaret Hu and Prof Chris Marsden.
SURVEILLANCE AND PRIVACY
Chair: Paul Burgess (Deputy Director, Monash Digital Law Group)
Speakers: Dr Damian Clifford (ANU) & Prof Jeannie Marie Paterson (University of Melbourne Law & Director, CAIDE); Prof Peter Leonard (UNSW); Prof David Lindsay (UTS); Commentator: Lizzie O’Shea (Digital Rights Australia).
There was also a PhD poster session at lunchtime at which Monash digital law students presented their work in progress, coordinated by recent Monash PhD alum, Dr Neerav Srivastava of Deakin Law School. PhD students Anna Moskal, Prateek Bhattacharya and Nicole Foo presented their work in poster form.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to receive feedback and engage in discussions with academics and practitioners from a variety of fields associated with digital law,” said PhD researcher Anna Moskal.
Monash Law PhD students and graduates Prateek Bhattacharya, Neerav Srivastava, Anna Moskal and Nicole Foo with Digital Law Group director, Professor Chris Marsden.
The conference concluded with a fascinating and frank, hour-long ‘In Conversation’ session presented by Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind.
Interim Dean, Professor Marilyn Pittard, offered closing remarks on the day, emphasising the importance of adapting legal frameworks to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind was welcomed by Interim Dean Professor Marilyn Pittard and Digital Law group director Professor Chris Marsden.
The symposium concluded with a reception sponsored by Monash Law’s Centre for Commercial Law and Regulatory Studies (CLARS), which provided attendees with the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the event for its insightful discussions and the opportunity to engage with thought leaders in digital law.
The success of the first Annual Digital Law Symposium sets a promising precedent for future events. Monash University’s Faculty of Law plans to make this symposium an annual fixture, continuing to lead the conversation on digital law and its implications for society.
https://www.monash.edu/law/news/2024/inaugural-annual-digital-law-symposium
