The National Seminar on “Law and Technology” was successfully organized by the Centre for Post Graduation studies & Research Committee of St. Joseph’s College of Law, Bengaluru, to explore the intricate relationship between law, innovation, and technology in the contemporary digital era.

The seminar commenced with the introduction to the theme of the seminar, highlighting the significance of information technology in the digital age and the objectives behind organizing the event.

The inaugural ceremony began with the ceremonial watering of a plant by Rev. Fr. Jerald D’Souza, Director, Dr. Pauline Priya, Principal, Ms. Shobha R., Vice Principal, and the Chief Guest and Resource Person, Dr. Rahul Mishra. This was followed by a soulful invocation song by Tanush and team, setting a reverent and positive tone for the day’s proceedings.

Dr. Pauline Priya, Principal of St. Joseph’s College of Law, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the evolving interface between information technology and artificial intelligence in the digital era. She raised pertinent questions about accountability and ownership of AI-generated content, and the ethical concerns arising from the misuse of AI technologies.

The Director, Rev. Fr. Jerald D’Souza, in his address, reflected on the interplay between the Right to Privacy and the Right to Surveillance. He cautioned against the unchecked spread of hate speech, misinformation, and the digital divide that technology often amplifies between the privileged and marginalized. He stressed the need for robust legal frameworks to regulate digital media and ensure the protection of fundamental rights in cyberspace. Following the inauguration, Mr. Kumar introduced the first resource person, Dr. Rahul Mishra, Associate Professor at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).

Dr. Mishra delivered a thought-provoking lecture on “Technology, Liberty, and Article 21”, exploring how technological advancements are redefining the notion of rights in the digital age. He asserted that “Rights today are no longer abstract entitlements but algorithmically mediated realities.”

He traced the evolution of digital rights from the Information Technology Act, 2000, to modern frameworks like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and emphasized the influence of the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union. Referencing landmark judgments such as K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India and Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), he highlighted India’s constitutional stance on privacy and free speech in the digital realm. Dr. Mishra concluded with reflections on digital constitutionalism and the need for evolving jurisprudence to address challenges posed by artificial intelligence and data surveillance.

The second session commenced with Ms. Kavya Nair introducing Advocate Priyanka Kwatra, Founder of Kwatra & Associates, Bengaluru.
Adv. Kwatra began by distinguishing between the concepts of “digital” and “technology,” observing that while both are interlinked, technology encompasses a broader domain. She inspired participants by stating that “lawyers are the most essential individuals in society, for even doctors and engineers ultimately turn to them when they cannot find answers.”

Drawing from her personal experience of digital identity theft, Adv. Kwatra discussed the dangers of data exposure, the importance of awareness among internet users, and the interconnection between rights and access in the digital space. She analyzed the challenges in protecting ideas and innovations under intellectual property law and discussed constitutional provisions under Articles 14, 19, and 21, along with the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the DPDP Act, 2023. Her session underscored critical issues such as data privacy, cybercrime, misinformation, online abuse, and digital accountability.

The final session was led by Dr. Shrinivasulu N.S., Professor of Law at the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata, introduced by Ms. Suzi Kalawati.
Dr. Shrinivasulu delivered an insightful lecture on the influence of technology in everyday life, the dependency on artificial intelligence, and the threats of digital surveillance. He highlighted how individuals have become “slaves of technology” and warned against the misuse of personal data under the guise of public interest, urging participants to remain vigilant and informed.

The seminar concluded with Dr. Shreshth Bhatnagar proposing the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Director, Principal, faculty members, student coordinators, and the resource persons for their invaluable contributions to the success of the event.

The session concluded with the National Anthem, marking the end of a highly enriching and intellectually stimulating national seminar that shed light on the emerging legal challenges in the rapidly advancing technological landscape.