Oxford University focuses on AI for justice in a digital age via Clooney Foundation tie up
Oxford University’s Blatvanik School of Government has launched the first global initiative dedicated to using AI in justice - Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice - in collaboration with the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ).
The Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice will focus on using AI to advance access to justice, highlighting unlawful cyber operations and protecting human rights in the digital age.
The institute will bring together Blatvanik School’s convening power and research with CFJ’s record on defense of free speech and women’s rights.
Amal Clooney, Co-founder at CFJ and Visiting Professor of Practice in International Law at the University of Oxford, says: “The Clooney Foundation for Justice has helped secure freedom for dozens of unjustly detained journalists and provided legal support to thousands of women fighting child marriage, violence and discrimination. The Institute will allow us to scale this crucial work by harnessing the power of AI to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”
“This partnership represents a paradigm shift in how we approach justice in the digital age. By combining world-leading academic research with CFJ's experience waging justice in 40 countries, we can ensure that as technology transforms our world, it strengthens rather than undermines fundamental principles of justice such as the right to a fair trial,” adds Philippa Webb, Professor of Public International Law at the Blavatnik School of Government.
The Institute is supported by funding from Microsoft and technical assistance from Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab and Office of Responsible AI.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, adds: “This international collaboration encourages the use of AI as a tool for good while assessing the risks related to its potential weaponisation.... The Institute will play a vital role in promoting research and dialogue that informs the public debate on these critical issues.
As the implementing partner, CFJ will develop innovative digital tools that scale its existing programmes, enhancing access to justice for journalists. The Blavatnik School will be the research engine of the Institute, exploring how to advance justice in AI-assisted court proceedings, routes to legal accountability for victims of cyber attacks, and the role of digital evidence in trials.
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