Technology advancements have given the judiciary new chances and challenges, according to CJN

Technology advancements have created new opportunities and problems for the judiciary, according to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Monday.

This was said by the CJN during the 2023 National Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications, which had as its theme “The adjudication path in the digital era.”

“While technological advancement offers many advantages, it also introduces new legal challenges and digital interaction necessitates a comprehensive framework that balances individual rights, societal obligations, and of course corporate liabilities,” he said.

The ever-evolving nature of technology, he continued, necessitates that judicial authorities continually adapt and improve the legal system.

Justice Ariwoola claims that it is important for judges to stay on top of technological developments since “technology has fundamentally transformed how we communicate, access information, and conduct legal proceedings.”

“While ensuring that doing justice remains at the forefront of our activities, we must welcome this transition.

According to him, “as judicial officers, we cannot deny that information technology and telecommunication services have surpassed the conventional method of court services delivery as the use of the internet is becoming a prominent feature of this era with innovative and interactive influences on the public.”

The CJN pointed out that modern judicial work and life, both within and outside of the courtroom, have become increasingly reliant on improvements in the telecommunications industry.

My Lords, it is also essential to give the study of the intersection of data privacy and information security law priority. Critical concerns about privacy, security, and the defence of individual rights are raised by the tremendous volume of data produced and amassed in the digital sphere.

“As judicial officers, it is your duty to weigh the legal ramifications of data collection, storage, and use while finding a happy medium between promoting innovation and protecting personal information. Your Lordships will promote individual liberties while strengthening the digital ecosystem’s sense of trust.

For the administration of justice, the introduction of virtual reality technology brings both benefits and difficulties. This amazing technology has the power to revolutionise how evidence is presented, how courtroom processes are run, and how justice is administered.

However, it is part of your duties as judicial officers to stay alert in addressing the ethical and legal implications of these technologies. Ensuring transparency, fairness, and the preservation of due process in virtual and augmented reality environments is essential to preserving the public’s confidence in the judiciary.

The CJN also highlighted the potential health risks brought on by technological advancements and stressed the importance of finding a balance between improving technology and preserving our health.

In his remarks, Professor Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), stated that the Commission is working with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to make sure that judges are aware of cybercrime and data breaches while carrying out their duties.

Making informed decisions on a variety of legal issues, from cybercrimes and data breaches to privacy violations and intellectual property conflicts, requires this.

“It is anticipated that difficulties relating to rights, obligations, and liabilities, and how they intersect with concerns about national security, will also develop as more transactions become undertaken online.

The head of the NCC continued, “As digital technologies continue to influence how we communicate, conduct business, and share information, judges need to be knowledgeable about the nuances of these systems to enable them to not only make just and equitable rulings and judgements, but also to contribute to maintaining public trust in the ever-expanding digital landscape.