AI and IT guidance
Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Download Considerations when using ChatGPT and Generative AI Software based on large language models from the Bar Council's Ethics & Practice hub.
The guidance sets out the key risks with large language model systems (LLMs): anthropomorphism; hallucinations; information disorder; bias in data training; and mistakes and confidential data training.
It explores:
- Due to possible hallucinations and biases, it is important for barristers to verify the output of LLM software and maintain proper procedures for checking generative outputs.
- ‘Black box syndrome’ – LLMs should not be a substitute for the exercise of professional judgment, quality legal analysis and the expertise that clients, courts and society expect from barristers.
- Barristers should be extremely vigilant not to share with an LLM system any legally privileged or confidential information.
- Barristers should critically assess whether content generated by LLMs might violate intellectual property rights and be careful not to use words which may breach trademarks.
- It is important to keep abreast of relevant Civil Procedure Rules, which in the future may implement rules/practice directions on the use of LLMs, for example, requiring parties to disclose when they have used generative AI in the preparation of materials, as has been adopted by the Court of the King’s Bench in Manitoba.
GDPR
GDPR compliance
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The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has approved a certification scheme aimed at legal service providers who process personal data. Find out more about the Legal Services Operational Privacy Certification Scheme (LOCS).
- Assess your GDPR compliance with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)'s 'Data protection self assessment' checklists
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Communicating with empathy after a data breach - guidance from the ICO about communicating a data breach with empathy
Cybersecurity
Guidance
- Gain insight on cyber risk management in Mitigo's guide: Cyber Security Matters
- Read the NCSC's 10 steps to cyber security and cyber security tips for barristers
- Use the cyber security questionnaire, created by the Bar Council and the Law Society, to ensure your chambers has taken all possible care in protecting its data
- Test your organisation's response to a cyber attack with NCSC's Exercise in a Box tool
- Read the National Institure of Science and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework to outline your organisation's best practices, or as strategic planning tool for risk assessment
- Sign up to the Bar Council's on-demand cyber security at the Bar training course