Salehpour Legal Consulting

Had an incredible time leading the UCLA Westside Alumni hike yesterday! We had a fantastic turnout with many Bruins joining us for a day of fun and networking in the great outdoors. If you are an alum, join us on the next one!

I'm thrilled and honored to share that I have been recognized as one of the UCLA Alumni Bruin Business 100 honorees for 2024! Thank you to the UCLA community for this incredible acknowledgment. Go Bruins!

Full list here: : https://alumni.ucla.edu/bruin-business-100-2024/

Don’t miss this chance to join me on May 13th for LACBA’s The Comprehensive AI & The Law Webinar where we will dive into the legal implications of AI and the use of AI in the legal industry.

Registration link: https://lacba.org/?pg=Events&evAction=showDetail&eid=284215&evSubAction=listAll.

Bruins, come join me on Saturday, 5/18, at the UCLA alumni hike which I will be leading at the Los Leones Trail.

It will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow alumni while enjoying some amazing views and getting in a great workout.

Registration link here: https://alumni.ucla.edu/event/ucla-westside-alumni-hike/.

As a woman attorney working in the technology field, I have often had to deal with gender inequality.

Comments like this (which I have reported and blocked) that was left on my Youtube video post highlight the fact that some people want to use AI technology to further inequalities and biases.

As both developers and users of AI, we must remember to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion of all in the development and deployment of AI technologies to create a more equitable future instead of trying to further social inequalities and biases.

With the increasing growth of AI technology and related concerns such as the need for increasing amounts of training data and legal and ethical issues such as data privacy, bias, and preservation of intellectual property rights, the proposed use of synthetic data for training AI models is becoming an increasingly important discussion.

Synthetic data, generated by AI systems themselves, presents a potential solution to the challenges posed by traditional data sourcing methods. By creating data from scratch, AI models can reduce reliance on copyrighted material, address privacy concerns associated with data collection, and even potentially address the issue of bias in traditional training data sources.

However, use of synthetic data poses its own challenges. Not only must AI systems navigate a delicate balance to avoid reinforcing biases or limitations present in their own outputs, but questions also remain regarding the reliability and effectiveness of synthetic data generation methods.

What are your thoughts on use of synthetic data in training of AI models?

Videos and content are for educational purposes only, not to provide specific legal advice.

Contact: [email protected]

A critical issue faced by tech companies in the AI is the ethics and legality of data scraping.

AI companies need high-quality data, and a lot of it, to train their AI models. However, many such companies often lack access to the necessary data.

As a result, some companies (such as OpenAI has been alleged to have done) turn to scraping vast amounts of content from the internet, including from platforms like YouTube, which raises questions about copyright infringement and adherence to platform policies.

While the thirst for data to train AI models is understandable, it must be balanced with adherence to intellectual property rights and user privacy.

These developments underscore the need for establishing clear laws and regulations around both data privacy and data scraping rather than just relying on specific platform’s terms of service and enforcement of same.

What are your thoughts on the practice of data scraping in AI development?

Videos and content are for educational purposes only, not to provide specific legal advice.

Contact: [email protected]

Today, I got the chance to hike a trail I had not previously explored before. Being in nature, makes me reflect on the parallels between the challenges of the trail and those we encounter in the business world. Here are some parallels that resonated with me:

(1) Embracing the Unknown: Just as exploring a new trail brings excitement and uncertainty, diving into new business endeavors shares those same emotions. Embracing the journey is important for both as it is in unknown what comes next.

(2) Forging New Paths: Just like navigating different terrain during a hike, businesses must also adapt to changing landscapes and create new paths to success. Both in business and on the trail, it is important to embrace creativity, innovation, and a willingness to explore the unknown in order to succeed.

(3) Conquering Challenges: The ups and downs of the trail reminded me of the resilience required to overcome obstacles in business. With determination and strategic thinking, challenges become opportunities and successes.

What parallels do you see?

Are we finally getting federal data privacy regulations?

President Biden recently issued an Executive Order permitting the Department of Justice to regulate the export of Americans’ data to safeguard sensitive personal information from falling into the wrong hands. The DOJ also released an associated notice of proposed rulemaking.

The aim of the order and proposed rulemaking is to prevent foreign governments and related persons from accessing and exploiting American’s sensitive data for activities such as espionage and disinformation campaigns that pose national security concerns.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

(1) A wide range of sensitive personal data is covered, including genomic, biometric, health, financial, and geolocation data.

(2) The order and proposed rulemaking contemplate prohibiting transactions by which data brokers and other parties sell bulk sensitive personal data to certain foreign governments and related persons as a first step to mitigate security risks.

(3) The order and proposed rulemaking then contemplate creation of additional restrictions on transactions such as vendor, employment, and investment agreements that often allow foreign governments and related person with indirect access to sensitive information.

(4) While DOJ has proposed implementation, the actual rules have not yet been written so DOJ is seeking input from the public to help it best tailor the rules to avoid unintended consequences.

This move demonstrates the increasing recognition by leaders of the importance of protecting Americans' privacy for national security reasons.

What are your thoughts? Will you be sharing comments with the DOJ?

Videos and content are for educational purposes only, not to provide specific legal advice.

Contact: [email protected]

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨 The Department of Justice sued Apple today, claiming its iPhone ecosystem is a monopoly that's hurt consumers, developers, and competitor phone makers.

The lawsuit alleges that Apple's anti-competitive behavior extends beyond just iPhones and Apple Watches, touching on its advertising, browser, FaceTime, and news offerings, and poses a threat to Apple’s walled-garden approach.

If successful, the lawsuit could lead to a breakup of Apple or, at least, force Apple to make changes in some of its most valuable business lines, including the iPhone and Apple Watch.

Apple's response? They've called the lawsuit a threat to innovation and say they'll defend against it.

What do you think about this legal showdown? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Videos and content are for educational purposes only, not to provide specific legal advice.

Contact: [email protected]

Fellow Bruins, are you excited that it is finally spring?

Come join me on Saturday, 4/6, at the UCLA Westside Bruins’ alumni spring hike which I will be leading at the Westridge Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains.

It will be a great opportunity to connect with alumni who share a love of nature and the outdoors.

Registration link here: https://giving.ucla.edu/Standard/NetDonate.aspx?SiteNum=5088

In response to growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the private sector, more than a quarter of U.S. states are considering bills aimed at regulating AI.

Common themes that are becoming apparent are efforts to combat algorithmic discrimination, regulate automated employment decision-making, establishing an AI Bill of Rights, and create governmental working groups to shape future AI policy.

Businesses who are using or offering AI should be actively following these regulatory developments to stay informed and working with legal counsel to ensure their businesses stay in compliance.

What types of AI regulations do you think should pass first?

Videos and content are for educational purposes only, not to provide specific legal advice.

Contact: [email protected]

The California Consumer Privacy Protection Agency recently released draft regulations on automated decision-making technologies (ADT) under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

These regulations aim to govern the use of AI in processing personal information and profiling and require businesses to provide consumers with pre-use notices, options to opt out of certain ADT uses, and access to information about how their information is used by the business.

However, concerns over the broad ADT definition and exceptions to opt-out rights have prompted the agency to send the draft back for further revision, highlighting an effort to ensure balanced consumer protection and business interests.

Businesses in California should closely monitor these developments and be prepared to seek legal guidance to ensure compliance with the evolving regulatory landscape.

Videos and content are for educational purposes only, not to provide specific legal advice.

Contact: [email protected]

Are you interested in AI?

Check out this webinar I did for CEB where I discuss the various opportunities and challenges involved with AI!

Link: https://lnkd.in/eZUVASaU

Don’t miss my session on AI for the Women in Tech Global Conference 2024!

Conference tickets: https://lnkd.in/gM8_kwB

Are you interested in learning more about AI?

Check out AI Unveiled: Balancing the Benefits and Burdens with Legal Perspectives, the recent webinar I recorded for CEB in which I explored the legal implications and complications of artificial intelligence, discussing intellectual property complications, treatment of data and privacy issues, contract complications, sources of liability, and novel types of disputes.

Link: https://learning.ceb.com/course/ai-unveiled-balancing-the-benefits-and-burdens-with-legal-perspectives

Videos and content are for educational purposes only, not to provide specific legal advice.

Contact: [email protected]

Want to learn more about AI and legal considerations to be aware of? Join me on February 8th at 1PM CT for the second of a three-part AI webinar series, “AI and the Legal Professions Ethics, Impacts, and Looking Ahead,” hosted by Smokeball - Legal Practice Management Software.

Interested in learning about AI and its implications and complications?
Come check out my presentation next week.

Wishing all of you in my incredible network of clients, colleagues, and friends a season filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments. Grateful for the wonderful connections and collaborations this year. Happy Holidays!

Transparency in AI algorithms is an increasingly critical topic.

With more action starting to be taken in the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding AI, it’s crucial for businesses in the AI space to start prioritizing transparency and accountability in their algorithms.

Why, you ask?

(1) Stay Ahead of Regulations: New laws and regulations are on the horizon and the businesses that proactively address transparency issues in their AI offerings will have both smoother operations and lower costs of compliance going forward.

(2) Build Trust with Users: Transparency isn’t just a legal checkbox; it’s a powerful tool for building trust with users. When people understand how a business' AI works, they're more likely to embrace it.

(3) Mitigate Bias and Ethical Concerns: AI isn’t infallible and bias creeps in. Transparency in algorithms allows for better identification and mitigation of biases, promoting fairness and ethical use of AI.

(4) Competitive Edge: In a world where consumers are becoming increasingly savvy about data privacy and ethical considerations, businesses that champion transparency gain a competitive edge.

So, what can you do?

(1) Document Your Algorithms: Businesses should keep a clear record of how their AI algorithms operate. Transparency starts with understanding your own technology.

(2) User-Friendly Explanations: Business should also be able to communicate how their AI works in a language everyone (including non-techie individuals) can understand. This will make transparency accessible to all.

(3) Regular Audits: Business should consider conducting routine audits to ensure their algorithms are aligned with evolving legal standards and ethical norms.

What do you think?

Contact: [email protected]

Videos and content are for educational purposes only, not to provide specific legal advice.

As we gather for Thanksgiving, we here at Salehpour Legal want to express our gratitude for the valuable relationships we have with all of our clients, colleagues, and friends.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with joy, warmth, and meaningful moments with loved ones.

Do you think advancements in artificial general intelligence (AGI) played a role in the recent OpenAI drama?

Reports have been hinting at disagreements over the pace of AI product launches between executives and directors, fueling speculation about OpenAi’s AGI development progress.

Advancements in AI getting close to AGI could prompt concerns about safety, transparency, and societal impact, especially given OpenAI’s shift to a for-profit model in 2019.

Regardless, whether AGI played a role in Altman's departure or not, the tech community should be proactively prepared to address challenges raised by advances in technology such as AGI transparently on a broader basis to avoid situations like now where OpenAi seems to be falling apart and a majority of its employees quitting or threatening to quit.

What do you think?

As we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the parallels between gratitude and the art of crafting strong contracts.

Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate the bonds we share.

Likewise, contracts are about building relationships. Clearly defining expectations and responsibilities in properly negotiated and well-drafted contracts lays the foundation for successful business relationships as they foster trust and understanding among the parties.

Gratitude is the glue that binds both personal and professional connections.

What are you thankful for?

What do you think of Biden's AI Executive Order for Safe and Trustworthy Innovation?

As a tech lawyer working with companies both providing and using AI, here is my break down and thoughts on some of the key items from the Executive Order:

🔐 AI Safety and Security Standards: Transparency is the name of the game. Requiring AI developers to spill the beans on safety tests and share critical info is a bold move. And while keep cutting-edge tech safe, secure, and trustworthy is important, I do think required disclosures should be sufficiently limited to avoid businesses operating in the space having to disclose confidential or proprietary information or to undertake unduly burdensome activities.

🌐 Equity and Civil Rights: Addressing algorithmic discrimination is an important item on a societal level. Providing guidance to landlords, federal programs, and contractors is a step in the right direction. From a legal standpoint, it's crucial to keep the legal landscape fair and just, especially as AI plays a bigger role in critical decision-making that effects people rights and livelihoods.

🛡️ Privacy: Calling for Congress to create federal data privacy legislation is music to my ears. Even putting aside AI, having federal privacy legislation will create a uniform approach to privacy in the US rather than the piecemeal state legislation we are getting now. Further, a uniform approach will give individuals across the country the same protections and will make it easier for businesses operating in the space to comply with data privacy laws.

💼 Workers: AI is rapidly changing jobs and the workplace and the change will continue at an exponential rate. Taking steps to mitigate harms, maximize benefits, and study impacts on jobs are important considerations to make the economic transition for workers and employers easier.

🚀 Innovation and Competition: The focus on research, innovation, and small business support is great to see as it will help foster a competitive AI ecosystem in which small players have a chance. I love seeing all the new businesses getting into the space!

🌍 International Action: Collaborating internationally and setting international AI standards sounds great as it would put all countries on the same foot and allow for a cohesive global framework for responsible AI development. However, I think it will be difficult to actually get international cohesion as there are potential competitive advantages available to countries that do not abide by such restrictions.

🤖 Government Use of AI: Issuing guidance for government’s use of AI and hiring AI talent is a good step to try to modernize our government’s relationship with innovative technologies, but there is definitely more to be done!

What are your thoughts on the Executive Order?

This past weekend Elon Musk introduced his "rebellious" AI chatbot Grok as a competitor to ChatGPT and Bard.

This highlights the fact that many tech leaders calls earlier this year for pause of AI development were insincere and aimed to give themselves competitive advantages rather than legitimate concerns about the threat of humanity.

At the same time that Musk was calling for a pause on AI development, not only was he working on his existing AI projects with his other companies like Tesla, but he was also creating his own AI chatbot. And, he has purposefully trained the chatbot on controversial content from Twitter and is purposefully promoting its controversial nature now in direct contradiction to his calls for responsible AI development.

Do you think he was sincere in his concerns with AI?

# startups

Do you have rights to your voice?

Scarlett Johansson has recently taken action against an AI app developer for cloning her voice in an online ad, raising critical questions about the intersection of technology and personal rights.

In a world where artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly accessible and capable, we will continue to see more cases like this in the future. Johansson's case is just one example of a broader issue that has far-reaching implications for both the entertainment industry and individual privacy.

Voice cloning technology, like that used in the ad for the AI image editor Lisa AI, can convincingly replicate a person's voice, often indistinguishable from the real thing. Musicians, actors, and public figures are already dealing with voice-cloning that can lead to unauthorized voiceovers and endorsements, making it seem like they are promoting products or ideas they have no connection to.

However, this issue is not limited to the entertainment industry. Voicing cloning and deepfake technology is also being used to create AI-generated voices and likenesses of individuals in various contexts without their consent.

In Scarlett Johansson's case, the ad featured her behind the scenes while filming "Black Widow," and she was depicted saying, "What's up, guys? It's Scarlett, and I want you to come with me." However, the ad quickly transitioned to an AI-generated voice meant to sound like the actress, promoting the AI image editor. The developers included a disclaimer at the bottom of the ad, stating that the images had nothing to do with Scarlett Johansson.

However, while the disclaimer may seem like an attempt to distance the technology from the actress, it raises questions about the ethics and potential legal consequences of such practices. In this case, Scarlett Johansson was not a spokesperson for the app, and she has a right to protect her name and likeness from being exploited in ways she did not consent to. This situation underscores the need for clearer regulations and guidelines regarding AI-generated content, voice cloning, and deepfake technology.

As technology advances, it is crucial for society to strike a balance between technological innovation and protecting individual rights. Clearer legal frameworks and industry standards are necessary to address the unauthorized use of individuals' voices, likenesses, and identities in AI-generated content. Individuals should have control over how their identities are portrayed and used in the digital landscape.

What are your thoughts?

Are you a digital health operator in California?

Did you know that California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA) was expanded this year to explicitly include mental health related apps and websites?

Under the amended CMIA, any business providing a "mental health digital service" now falls under the category of a "provider of health care," imposing data protection responsibilities on these digital health operators and increasing their legal exposure, including via a private right of action.

Digital health operators should expect to continue to see more targeted laws and regulations as privacy laws continue to adapt.

What do you think of this development?