Artificial Intelligence and Regulatory Enforcement

【Host】　 Institute of Comparative Law, Waseda University
【Co-Host】　Society of International Business and Legal Studies; International Contract Legal Systems Division of the Japanese Association of International Business Law; School of Law, Graduate School of Law, Waseda University.
【Date and Time】　December 5 (Sat.), 2026. 10:30～11:30
【Location】　Online (via Zoom)
https://list-waseda-jp.zoom.us/j/97825121624?pwd=MYghq4qaWhBQLBWzSrnuBIwY4Oo9QL.1
Meeting ID: 978 2512 1624、Passcode: 031199
【Lecturer】　Michael Karanicolas (Associate Professor of Law, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University).
【Language】　English (No interpretation)

About the Event

Purpose and Objective

This lecture features Assoc. Prof. Michael Karanicolas, a prominent rising scholar of AI law in North America who also brings deep expertise in comparative law. The event will serve as a forum for legal scholars, practitioners, and students in Japan to engage in vibrant discussion and mutual learning.

Abstract

This presentation analyzes the benefits and risks of adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the regulatory enforcement process of North American administrative agencies. While the potential for AI-driven efficiency is recognized through examples such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, concerns are raised that algorithmic bias and a lack of transparency could undermine public trust in government and legal legitimacy. To complement the limitations of existing risk management frameworks such as the NIST AI RMF, the speaker emphasizes the importance of public dialogue and “decommissioning strategies” that discontinue underperforming systems. By comparing regulatory trends at the federal, state, and international levels, he also argues for a structural oversight mechanism for responsible AI operations and a specialized steering body. In conclusion, he discusses how to maintain the human-centric nature and expertise of public administration amid advances in automation.

Link to Japanese Page.