CIPIL Evening Seminar: 'The Role of Trade Secrets Protection in AI Transparency'

Title: 'The Role of Trade Secrets Protection in AI Transparency'

Speaker: Professor Tanya Aplin, Dickson Poon School of Law, Kings College London

Biography: 

Tanya Aplin is Professor of Intellectual Property at the Dickson Poon School of Law, Kings College London.

Abstract: 

This talk will examine the claim that trade secrets protection contributes substantially to the transparency difficulties associated with AI systems. Various commentators argue that trade secrecy obfuscates scrutiny of AI systems and lament the lack of accountability that this brings. This paper builds on work done with Professor Sandeen to argue that such claims are overstatements and that, properly applied, trade secrets law does not necessarily entail a proprietary 'lock up' of AI data or algorithms and that contextual assessments are vital, along with the appropriate use of reverse engineering and public interest levers. The problem, however, is with overly broad or incorrect assertions of trade secrecy, or reliance on factual secrecy. This raises questions about the circumstances in which disclosure of information relevant to AI transparency may be compelled or encouraged where claims of trade secrecy are asserted.

Zoom Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DDRJ1GpHRLScRQaXu8O4FQ 

Please note that this session will not be recorded.