Book Review: Legal Guide to Emerging Technologies

Several times each month, we are pleased to republish a recent book review from the Canadian Law Library Review (CLLR). CLLR is the official journal of the Canadian Association of Law Libraries (CALL/ACBD), and its reviews cover both practice-oriented and academic publications related to the law.

Legal Guide to Emerging Technologies. By Imran Ahmad & Shreya Gupta. Toronto: LexisNexis, 2023. xiv, 113 p. Includes index. ISBN 9780433524748 (softcover) $130.00.

Reviewed by Katarina Daniels
Research Lawyer, Library Services Lead
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

Legal Guide to Emerging Technologies provides a clear and structured introduction to six key emerging technologies: biometric data, autonomous vehicles, the Internet of Things, generative artificial intelligence, the Metaverse, and blockchain and non-fungible tokens. The six chapters of the book—one for each technology—are organised similarly, making it easy to navigate. Each chapter begins with an accessible overview of the technology followed by an analysis of its legal considerations. The governing legal frameworks are then outlined, with a primary focus on Canadian law supplemented by references to foreign legislation (often the United States and the European Union). Each chapter concludes with a list of best practices, offering practical guidance for organizations involved in developing or deploying these technologies.

The Legal Considerations section in each chapter stands out for its breadth. While it would have been easy to focus exclusively on privacy and cybersecurity, authors Ahmad and Gupta examine how these technologies affect a variety of legal fields, broadening the book’s appeal. Their clear and concise explanations of complex technologies are also especially valuable for legal professionals and business leaders who must understand these technologies in order to navigate their legal implications effectively.

It is worth noting that the book is introductory in scope, targeting lawyers and business professionals who are beginning to encounter these technologies in their work, rather than seasoned technology professionals. While the legal analysis and practical guidance are insightful, the discussions are relatively brief. The Legal Frameworks section, which makes up the bulk of the content in each chapter, risks becoming outdated as laws evolve. Indeed, just 18 months after publication, much of this content already requires updating. The authors acknowledge these limitations in their introduction, however, framing the book as a “starting point” and a “quick reference guide” designed to aid with issue-spotting and developing foundational knowledge (p. x).

The book would also benefit from more rigorous editing. The Best Practices sections are repetitive, with subtitles often nearly as long as the advice and the phrasing only slightly varied. Additionally, the referencing and footnoting could be more consistent and detailed, particularly in a text aimed at professionals who may wish to delve deeper into specific issues. Improved formatting of bullet points and lists would also enhance its readability.

Despite these issues, the book is a valuable resource because of its clear explanations, insightful analysis, and practical guidance. It will appeal to a wide audience, including legal professionals, regulators, policymakers, corporate leaders, and academics. Privacy lawyers, in-house counsel, and technology specialists will find it to be a practical tool for advising clients or ensuring compliance with emerging legal standards. Regulators and policymakers will appreciate its concise summaries of evolving legal frameworks, while corporate leaders can rely on its advice to manage technology-related risks. For academics, law students, and law librarians, the book’s structured approach makes it a useful teaching aid and reference for understanding the intersection of law and technology.

Ahmad and Gupta have crafted a resource that not only informs but also empowers readers to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies with confidence. As these technologies evolve, I look forward to future editions that will update existing content, introduce other new technologies, and potentially retire those that are no longer “emerging.”