Columbia Law School Event 2017

In October 2019, Columbia Law School hosted a distinguished lecture featuring Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith ’84. The event, part of the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series, was moderated by Dean Gillian Lester and Professor Tim Wu. Smith discussed his co-authored book, "Tools and Weapons: The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age," addressing the dual nature of digital technology as both beneficial and potentially harmful.

The conversation delved into critical topics such as cybersecurity, government regulation, ethics, and human rights. Smith emphasized the need for a comprehensive national privacy law and highlighted the ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence. He advocated for a multidisciplinary approach to AI decision-making, involving experts beyond computer science to ensure responsible development and deployment.

The event attracted over 300 attendees, including students, faculty, and members of the Law School community. It provided a platform for engaging discussions on the societal impacts of technology and the responsibilities of tech companies in safeguarding privacy and human rights.

This lecture was particularly relevant for legal professionals, technologists, policymakers, and academics interested in the intersection of law, technology, and human rights. Attendees gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by digital advancements and the importance of ethical considerations in their implementation.