Iran

The Director General of the Office for Upper Secondary Education at Iran’s Ministry of Education announced that free education in artificial intelligence and programming will be provided to all high school students, along with numerous rewards. He described the initiative as a practical step toward achieving educational equity and developing a skilled future workforce.&nbsp;According to ISNA news agency, Ebrahim Rafiei stated at a meeting of leading provincial specialized working groups for the National Digital Skills Program that, under Article 66 of Iran’s Seventh Five-Year Development Plan, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology are required to expand digital education. He explained that the program targets two main groups: government employees, including teachers, and students, who represent the country’s future productive workforce.&nbsp;Rafiei noted that while digital skills had previously been addressed to some extent through the Technology course in lower secondary school, more comprehensive and structured training was needed. Following coordination among ministers and deputy ministers, an institution was appointed by the Ministry of ICT to implement the courses. Beginning in September, the project focused on introducing teachers to digital skills.&nbsp;He explained that the initial goal was to familiarize the program’s instructors and promoters with the content. During this phase, a general AI course was delivered through the Shad educational network, attracting nearly 180,000 participants, primarily educators. According to Rafiei, from September to February the primary focus was teacher training, while student training began in February. Students did not receive instruction through general online platforms; instead, they used a dedicated digital-skills platform that was available both online and offline and was supported by educational resource packages.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rafiei also described a spring initiative that ran from April until May 24 (the anniversary of the Liberation of Khorramshahr). During this program, outstanding students, schools, and active districts were recognized each week. A second phase, called the “Eidiyeh” (Holiday Gift) program, has now begun:&nbsp;<ul><li>71,000 teachers completed the foundational training through the Shad network.</li><li>179,000 teachers joined the channel providing the courses.</li><li>38,000 students are actively participating.</li><li>2,100 teachers and 5,000 students are currently being monitored for progress.</li><li>1,520 teachers and 80,600 students have completed Python programming training.</li></ul>Rafiei said that the next phase will emphasize deeper, project-based learning. Students and teachers will be assigned practical projects, since the program is not intended to remain purely theoretical. Participants who successfully complete their projects will advance to subsequent stages. In the summer, in-person training sessions will begin and will be hosted at educational research centers.&nbsp;He also announced a national festival for top participants in the fourth stage of the program. Approximately 3,000 teachers from earlier rounds will be narrowed down to 300 final award-winning teachers, while 1,000 outstanding students will be selected. These students will reach a level of AI expertise qualifying them as mentors, capable of teaching others at regional and national levels. This approach is intended to make the program self-sustaining, enabling the education system to rely on trained participants as future instructors.&nbsp;Rafiei stated that students who achieve national-level excellence will be introduced to private and public institutions as highly capable candidates for employment. He highlighted the role of private-sector organizations recommended by the Ministry of ICT and described the initiative as one of the strategic programs of the Office for Upper Secondary Education. The first implementation phase will take place this summer and is expected to continue in future years.Discussing the program’s broader goals, Rafiei said:<blockquote>“The aim is that any student entering any type of high school in Iran can receive this training completely free of charge, participate in a scientific competition, and earn increasingly valuable rewards as they progress. With sufficient skills, they may even work as teachers or instructors in this field in the private sector.”</blockquote>He emphasized that skills development and educational equity are the program’s primary objectives, achieved through collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Communications, with support from the private sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran to provide free education in artificial intelligence and programming to all high school students

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Free AI and Programming Education for Iranian High School Students

Tehran (IRNA)– The CEO of the Artificial Intelligence Holding of the Mostazafan Foundation announced that the holding has successfully obtained a National Data Operator license from the government’s AI Development Headquarters, becoming the first organization in the country to do so.&nbsp;According to IRNA, citing the Department of Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, Mehdi Rouhani-Nejad stated that the National Data Operator license was approved by the government’s AI Headquarters in the final months of the previous Iranian calendar year and officially issued earlier this year.&nbsp;Explaining the role of a national data operator, Rouhani-Nejad said its primary responsibility is to create an AI-driven platform for comprehensive data management and analysis. The platform will be capable of collecting, cleaning, and standardizing diverse, heterogeneous, and large-scale datasets from various sources. It will then employ intelligent models to analyze data, extract actionable insights, automate processes, and develop smart agents.&nbsp;He added that since data held by government agencies, public institutions, and major industries is often fragmented and decentralized, the platform has been specifically designed to collect, aggregate, and integrate these datasets. The system will also ensure security and privacy while facilitating secure data sharing among organizations—enabling managers to make decisions based on up-to-date information and comprehensive AI-powered analytics.&nbsp;The CEO emphasized that data-driven decision-making, the creation of a data marketplace, and the intelligent transformation of industries are among the core objectives behind launching the data operator within Sina Smart Holding.&nbsp;Rouhani-Nejad further noted that in addition to the National Data Operator license, a National Data Marketplace license has also been issued. This marketplace will allow different organizations to share data in full compliance with security standards, helping to automate and modernize processes across various sectors. All data transfers will be conducted strictly in accordance with existing security protocols and standards.&nbsp;Referring to the priority sectors targeted by the Mostazafan Foundation, he said the foundation intends to deploy the platform in areas such as:<ul><li>Food security &nbsp;</li><li>Intelligent supply chain management &nbsp;</li><li>Multimodal transportation &nbsp;</li><li>Fraud detection and risk management &nbsp;</li><li>Industrial digital transformation and automation &nbsp;</li></ul>According to Rouhani-Nejad, in the field of food security, managers will be able to more accurately monitor supply and demand for agricultural and livestock products, manage distribution and sales processes, and identify factors contributing to potential market imbalances.&nbsp;Regarding the required investment, he stated that preliminary estimates indicate approximately 3,000 billion tomans will be needed to complete the platform.&nbsp;The CEO also noted that various components of the platform are currently being developed by subsidiaries of the holding company, and some operator services are already available to companies affiliated with the foundation. Based on current plans, the full range of the operator’s services is expected to be launched within the next year.&nbsp;&nbsp; https://www.irna.ir/news/86175010/هلدینگ-هوشمند-سینا-نخستین-اپراتور-ملی-داده-کشور-شد

CEO of the Artificial Intelligence Holding of the Mostazafan Foundation announced that the holding has successfully obtained a National Data Operator license

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Sina Smart Holding Becomes the Country’s First National Data Operator

Tehran (IRNA) – The Secretary General of Iran’s High Council of Employers’ Associations stated that Iran has been subjected to unjust sanctions for many years and, in addition to ongoing threats, is now under attack by adversaries that neither share a border with Iran nor are neighboring countries.&nbsp;According to Iran’s Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare, Davoud Adineh spoke at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), Geneva 2026. He thanked the conference president, members of the bureau, and the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for providing an opportunity to discuss one of the most important issues of our time: artificial intelligence.He emphasized that AI has the potential to play a decisive role in achieving objectives related to decent work.&nbsp;Adineh described artificial intelligence as a driver of increased economic productivity and said that it can contribute to the advancement of decent work and sustainable employment. He noted that AI, as one of the most influential technologies of the century, is rapidly entering all aspects of life and can improve working conditions by enhancing workplace safety and health, reducing human error, and preventing occupational accidents.He added that AI can also foster economic growth and sustainable job creation through increased productivity, innovation, and value creation.The Iranian employers’ representative stated that the technology can create employment opportunities for groups that previously had limited access to the labor market, including people with disabilities, residents of remote areas, and vulnerable populations.&nbsp;According to him, the responsible and proper use of AI can strengthen social dialogue, increase transparency, and promote fundamental labor rights.Addressing the challenges associated with the expansion of AI, Adineh referred to concerns about job displacement caused by automation, widening social and economic inequalities, the need to protect privacy and data security, and the importance of transparency in AI-based decision-making. He stressed that if AI is employed on the basis of ethical principles, social justice, and human dignity, it can become an effective tool for improving quality of life and advancing human development.&nbsp;Recalling remarks he made at last year's conference, Adineh referred to reports by the World Economic Forum, stating that these reports suggest AI is expected to fundamentally transform the structure of the global labor market in the coming decades.&nbsp;He emphasized the need for governments, employers, and workers to prepare for this major transformation through cooperation and continuous dialogue.&nbsp;Adineh also expressed appreciation for the ILO Director-General’s efforts to protect fundamental principles and rights at work, support social protection for all forms of employment, and strengthen social dialogue in response to technological change.Referring to the situation in Iran, he stated:<blockquote>"Iran has been subjected to unjust sanctions for many years and, alongside these threats, is now under attack by enemies that neither border Iran nor are neighboring countries."</blockquote>He added:<blockquote>"Our country has been attacked by states that we have neither attacked nor done anything that would justify such attacks in their minds."</blockquote>Condemning the bombing of residential, industrial, production, and service facilities, Adineh described such actions as completely unacceptable and contrary to humanitarian principles and international law. He stressed that these attacks have had negative—and in some cases dangerous—effects not only on the country's economic infrastructure but also on the realization of decent work, job security, and the livelihoods of millions of workers.He called on the ILO to use its capacities and international standing to pay special attention to supporting the labor community and safeguarding production and employment environments, and to play an effective and constructive role in this regard.&nbsp;According to Adineh, special consideration should be given to reactivating the ILO Representative Office in Iran, and an expert delegation should be sent to Iran to directly assess current conditions, damages, and challenges.&nbsp;He also reiterated a proposal previously raised at the 112th and 113th ILO Conferences, suggesting that June 1 be designated as “World Employers’ Day.” He argued that such a designation could strengthen solidarity, interaction, and cooperation among employers worldwide and enhance their role in economic and social development.He concluded:<blockquote>"History will remember positively every action taken in the service of cooperation, peace, development, justice, and human dignity."</blockquote><a href="https://www.irna.ir/news/86173280/نماینده-کارفرمایان-در-اجلاس-ژنو-">https://www.irna.ir/news/86173280/نماینده-کارفرمایان-در-اجلاس-ژنو-</a>&nbsp;

At International Labour Conference in Geneva, Iran’s employers’ representative discussed artificial intelligence, workplace transformation, job creation and ...

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Iranian Employers Highlight Opportunities and Challenges AI and the Future of Work at ILO Geneva Conference

TEHRAN, June 2026 — Iranian government institutions and industry stakeholders have signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating the development of advanced technologies and expanding support for the country's growing knowledge-based business sector. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) seeks to strengthen collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and private-sector innovators to address technological challenges, increase industrial self-sufficiency, and promote the commercialization of domestically developed technologies.&nbsp;Officials said the agreement focuses on leveraging the capabilities of knowledge-based companies to develop strategic technologies, reduce dependence on imported solutions, and improve the competitiveness of key industrial sectors. The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to expand the knowledge economy and increase the contribution of high-technology industries to economic growth.&nbsp;Under the partnership, participating organizations will cooperate on technology development projects, support research and development activities, and facilitate the deployment of innovative solutions in industrial operations. The agreement is expected to prioritize advanced technology fields, including digital transformation, industrial innovation, automation, and emerging technology applications that can help address strategic needs across the economy. Officials emphasized the importance of connecting research capabilities with market demand to accelerate commercialization and reduce technology gaps in critical sectors.&nbsp;Knowledge-based companies are expected to play a central role in the initiative. Authorities said the agreement will create new opportunities for technology firms to participate in large-scale industrial projects, provide specialized solutions, and contribute to national innovation programs.Support mechanisms may include facilitating access to financing, encouraging partnerships between industry and technology providers, and helping innovative firms scale their products and services for broader market adoption. Similar government initiatives in recent years have focused on integrating knowledge-based companies into strategic sectors such as energy, manufacturing, petrochemicals, and digital technologies.&nbsp;Iran has increasingly promoted knowledge-based enterprises as a key component of its economic development strategy. Policymakers view technology-driven businesses as an important source of innovation, productivity gains, and employment opportunities, particularly in sectors where domestic technological capabilities can reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Industry experts note that partnerships between government institutions and technology companies have become an increasingly common mechanism for accelerating innovation and addressing industrial challenges through locally developed solutions.&nbsp;Officials described the agreement as part of a broader effort to build a more resilient and technology-driven economy. By fostering collaboration between industry, government, and innovative enterprises, authorities hope to accelerate the development of advanced technologies while creating new pathways for commercialization and industrial deployment.&nbsp;The agreement underscores Iran's continued emphasis on expanding its innovation ecosystem and strengthening the role of knowledge-based companies in driving future economic growth.&nbsp;<a href=" https://www.irib-news.ir/fa/news/5812757/امضای-تفاهم‌نامه-همکاری-برای-توسعه-فناوری‌های-پیشرفته-و-حمایت-از-شرکت‌های-دانش‌بنیان">&nbsp;https://www.irib-news.ir/fa/news/5812757/امضای-تفاهم‌نامه-همکاری-برای-توسعه-فناوری‌های-پیشرفته-و-حمایت-از-شرکت‌های-دانش‌بنیان</a>

New agreement aims to strengthen innovation, industrial competitiveness and commercialization of domestic technologies

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Iran Signs Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Advanced Technologies and Support Knowledge-Based Companies

International

JOHANNESBURG, June 2, 2026 — In a landmark judgment that could reshape the regulatory treatment of digital assets in South Africa, the South Gauteng High Court has ruled that Bitcoin qualifies as both "capital" and "money" under the country's exchange control framework, reinforcing the government's authority to regulate cross-border cryptocurrency transfers.&nbsp;The decision came after Judge Stuart Wilson dismissed an application by cryptocurrency trader Square Mangundhla and Fungai Dangaiso seeking to overturn a forfeiture order issued by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). The order related to Bitcoin transfers worth approximately R182 million that had been moved to cryptocurrency exchanges outside South Africa without regulatory approval. "The central question in this case is whether cryptocurrency, in this instance Bitcoin, constitutes either money or capital for the purposes of the Exchange Control Regulations," Judge Wilson wrote. “I conclude that it is both.”&nbsp;According to court records, Mangundhla engaged in lawful cryptocurrency trading between 2015 and 2017. However, between January 2018 and March 2020, he allegedly transferred nearly 1,680 Bitcoin through accounts under his control and an account held by Dangaiso to wallets associated with foreign cryptocurrency exchanges.At the time, the assets were valued at approximately R182 million.&nbsp;The SARB argued that transferring the cryptocurrency to offshore exchanges effectively moved capital beyond South Africa's jurisdiction, triggering exchange control requirements. Following an investigation, authorities ordered the forfeiture of nearly R6 million in cryptocurrency assets and related funds held in bank and digital asset accounts connected to the case.&nbsp;The applicants contended that Bitcoin's decentralized nature placed it outside the scope of regulations originally designed for conventional financial assets. The court rejected that argument.Judge Wilson held that Bitcoin possesses clear economic characteristics associated with both capital and money. As a financial asset, it can store value, generate investment returns, and facilitate transactions, bringing it within the ordinary meaning of capital under South African law.&nbsp;A central element of the ruling was the court's concern that excluding cryptocurrencies from exchange control laws would create a significant loophole in South Africa's financial regulatory framework. The judgment noted that individuals could easily bypass capital controls by converting local currency into cryptocurrency before transferring it abroad."Were it otherwise, those controls would be virtually worthless," the judge wrote, warning that cryptocurrency could become a vehicle for avoiding Treasury oversight if left outside existing regulations.&nbsp;The court further determined that the Bitcoin had effectively been exported once it was transferred to wallets maintained by foreign exchanges and placed beyond the reach of South African regulators.&nbsp;The ruling represents a significant departure from a separate High Court decision issued in 2025, which concluded that cryptocurrency was neither money nor capital for exchange control purposes. Judge Wilson explicitly disagreed with that interpretation, arguing that the earlier judgment focused too heavily on the technological nature of digital assets while overlooking their practical economic function.&nbsp;The court emphasized that Bitcoin can be purchased with South African rand, held as an investment, traded for profit, and used as a medium of exchange. These characteristics, the judgment found, justify treating cryptocurrency as both a store of value and a form of capital under existing legal principles.&nbsp;Legal experts say the decision could establish an important precedent for future enforcement actions involving digital assets and cross-border cryptocurrency transfers. The judgment comes as South Africa is modernizing its framework for regulating international capital movements. In May, National Treasury released draft Capital Flow Management Regulations for public consultation, while Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced plans to transition toward a more flexible, risk-based regulatory system.&nbsp;The proposed reforms would reduce pre-approval requirements for certain transactions while strengthening reporting obligations, regulatory oversight, and efforts to combat illicit financial flows. &nbsp;Although industry participants have generally welcomed the modernization initiative, the High Court's ruling makes clear that cryptocurrency transactions remain subject to South Africa's existing exchange control regime unless explicitly exempted by law. With the applicants' review application dismissed, the SARB forfeiture order remains in force, marking one of the most significant judicial decisions on cryptocurrency regulation in South Africa to date.

Landmark South African ruling classifies Bitcoin as capital and money, strengthening oversight of cryptocurrency transactions and digital asset exports.

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South African Court Rules Bitcoin Qualifies as Capital Under Exchange Control Laws

OXFORD, June 3, 2026 — The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into corporate decision-making is exposing significant gaps in traditional legal standards governing directors' responsibilities, according to new research published by legal scholar Giovanni Vetrugno.&nbsp;As companies increasingly incorporate AI into strategic and operational processes, legal frameworks designed for human-led decision-making are struggling to keep pace. A recent KPMG study found that 66% of users regularly rely on AI tools, yet only about half trust AI-generated outputs enough to use them in operational decisions. Meanwhile, PwC research indicates that nearly half of technology leaders now consider AI fully integrated into their corporate strategies.&nbsp;The disconnect between adoption and trust, experts say, has important implications for corporate governance."Adoption has outpaced trust," Vetrugno argues. "More importantly, it has outpaced the conceptual tools that govern director liability."&nbsp;The challenge is particularly evident in jurisdictions such as Italy, where director duties are governed by legal standards developed decades before the emergence of advanced algorithms. Article 2392 of the Italian Civil Code, drafted in 1942, requires directors to exercise diligence appropriate to their role. However, the law assumes that business decisions can be understood, evaluated, and reconstructed by human decision-makers.Modern AI systems challenge that assumption.&nbsp;Machine-learning models often operate as "black boxes," producing outcomes that may be difficult to explain even for their developers. This creates uncertainty about what constitutes sufficient oversight when directors authorize or rely on AI-driven decisions.&nbsp;The issue becomes more complex under the business judgment rule, a legal doctrine that generally protects directors from liability when decisions are made in good faith and on an informed basis. Critics argue that directors may struggle to meet the "informed" standard when key decisions are influenced by algorithms whose internal processes are not fully transparent.&nbsp;In response, Vetrugno and co-author Sottoriva have proposed a new governance framework known as the TRACE Model, designed to help boards manage AI-related risks without requiring directors to become technical experts.&nbsp;The framework is built around five principles:<ul><li>Transparency – ensuring boards have clear documentation explaining what AI systems do, their limitations, and how they fit into company operations.</li><li>Risk Assessment – continuously evaluating potential biases, system failures, and performance degradation over time.</li><li>Audit Trail – maintaining records that allow companies to reconstruct how AI-assisted decisions were reached.</li><li>Competence – ensuring boards collectively possess the expertise needed to oversee AI through training, advisory committees, or specialist directors.</li><li>Ethics – integrating AI governance into broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities.</li></ul>According to the authors, the focus should shift from assessing whether directors personally understand complex algorithms to evaluating whether appropriate governance structures are in place.&nbsp;Although developed with Italian law in mind, the framework addresses concerns emerging across multiple jurisdictions. In the United States, Delaware's Caremark doctrine requires boards to establish oversight systems capable of identifying compliance failures. Similar duties exist under the UK's Companies Act 2006, while German legal scholars have begun discussing concepts of "digital diligence" for corporate directors.The researchers argue that AI governance should be viewed as an extension of existing oversight obligations rather than as a completely new category of legal responsibility.&nbsp;As AI adoption continues to accelerate, courts around the world may soon be called upon to determine how traditional director duties apply when algorithms play a central role in corporate decision-making."The standard of director diligence is not broken," Vetrugno concludes. "It does, however, need to be read in light of the technologies it is now asked to govern."&nbsp;Legal experts say the next major AI-related corporate failure could provide the first significant test of those evolving standards.&nbsp;https://blogs.law.ox.ac.uk/oblb/blog-post/2026/06/directors-and-ai-why-diligence-needs-new-framework

Oxford legal scholar proposes new governance framework as boards increasingly rely on artificial intelligence

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AI Adoption Outpaces Trust, Raising New Questions About Director Liability

TEHRAN, June 2026 — Iran has launched a new national initiative to develop an indigenous large language model (LLM) and establish a framework for measuring digital maturity across public and private sector organizations, as the country seeks to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities and accelerate digital transformation efforts.&nbsp;The initiative was announced following the signing of two strategic cooperation agreements by the country's Information Technology Organization with the Iran Information Technology Organization, the Research Institute for Information and Communication Technology, and the Industrial Management Organization. The agreements establish a collaborative framework for the development of a domestic AI language model built on national infrastructure and the creation of a system to assess and rank the digital readiness of industries and digital platforms.&nbsp;Officials said the project aims to strengthen Iran's technological self-sufficiency by developing advanced Persian-language artificial intelligence capabilities within the country's own digital ecosystem. The large language model is expected to support local language processing, knowledge management, and AI-powered services while reducing dependence on foreign AI platforms.&nbsp;The initiative forms part of broader national efforts to build domestic AI infrastructure and improve the availability of advanced language technologies for Persian-speaking users. Iranian research institutions and technology organizations have increasingly prioritized the development of local AI models in recent years as demand for generative AI applications grows globally.&nbsp;Alongside the AI project, authorities will introduce a comprehensive digital maturity assessment framework designed to evaluate the technological readiness of both government agencies and private-sector organizations. The framework is expected to provide standardized benchmarks for measuring digital capabilities, identifying gaps in technology adoption, and guiding future investment in digital transformation initiatives.The assessment system will examine organizational preparedness for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud infrastructure, and digital service delivery. Officials say the resulting rankings could help policymakers prioritize support programs and encourage greater adoption of digital technologies across key sectors of the economy.&nbsp;The agreements build on a series of recent efforts by Iranian institutions to expand domestic AI research and development. Previous initiatives have included collaborations between universities, research institutes, and private technology firms to create Persian-language large language models and other AI systems tailored to local needs.&nbsp;Technology experts note that the development of national language models has become a strategic priority for many countries seeking greater control over AI infrastructure, language resources, and data governance. For nations with less globally represented languages, locally developed AI models can help improve performance in natural language processing tasks while supporting cultural and linguistic preservation.&nbsp;The new partnerships are expected to bring together government agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders in an effort to establish a stronger foundation for AI innovation and digital modernization.&nbsp;While officials have not yet disclosed a timeline for the completion of the language model or the rollout of the digital maturity framework, the agreements signal a growing emphasis on artificial intelligence as a pillar of Iran's digital development strategy.&nbsp;&nbsp; https://www.irna.ir/news/86169761/آغاز-همکاری-برای-توسعه-مدل-زبانی-بزرگ-بومی-و-سنجش-بلوغ-دیجیتال

Government agencies sign strategic agreements to strengthen domestic AI capabilities and accelerate digital transformation across industries

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Iran Launches National AI Initiative to Develop Indigenous Large Language Model and Digital Maturity Assessment Framework

NEW ENGLAND, May 28, 2026 — &nbsp;A new study under review suggests that advanced AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude are enabling thousands of Americans to pursue legal claims without hiring attorneys, contributing to a sharp increase in self-represented litigation across federal courts. Researchers who analyzed millions of court filings found evidence that AI-generated content is appearing in a growing share of federal lawsuits, marking what could become one of the most significant shifts in access to justice in decades.&nbsp;The study estimates that nearly 18% of federal civil complaints filed by early 2026 contained language consistent with AI-generated drafting, up from virtually zero before the public release of modern generative AI systems in late 2022.&nbsp;The trend highlights a profound transformation underway in legal services. While much of the public debate around AI has focused on whether technology might replace lawyers, the more immediate impact may be its ability to help ordinary citizens navigate legal systems that were previously inaccessible due to cost and complexity.&nbsp;For decades, Americans have had the constitutional right to represent themselves in court. In practice, however, exercising that right has often been difficult. Civil litigation requires extensive legal research, knowledge of procedural rules, document preparation, and familiarity with court processes. For many individuals, hiring a lawyer is prohibitively expensive, while legal aid organizations often lack the resources to meet demand.Generative AI is lowering those barriers.&nbsp;Users can now obtain explanations of legal procedures, summarize statutes and case law, draft motions, organize evidence, and prepare court filings within minutes and at minimal cost. Tasks that once required hours of professional assistance can increasingly be performed using a smartphone or laptop. Researchers found AI-assisted filings across a broad range of disputes, including employment cases, insurance claims, immigration matters, housing conflicts, disability appeals, and defamation lawsuits.&nbsp;Perhaps most significantly, immigration-related litigation showed some of the fastest growth. The study identified rising numbers of habeas corpus petitions and detention challenges filed without attorneys, suggesting that AI may be expanding practical access to legal remedies for individuals who historically struggled to secure representation.&nbsp;Supporters view the development as a major step toward addressing the long-standing "justice gap" in the United States. Millions of Americans face legal problems each year but never pursue formal remedies because legal representation is too costly. In many civil cases, attorney fees can exceed the potential financial recovery, effectively preventing individuals from asserting their rights. From this perspective, AI functions less as a replacement for lawyers and more as a force multiplier for legal access.&nbsp;Several legal aid organizations have already embraced the technology. Studies indicate that nonprofit legal service providers are adopting AI tools rapidly to expand their capacity and assist larger numbers of clients with limited budgets. If these trends continue, AI could become one of the most significant access-to-justice innovations since the expansion of public legal aid programs.&nbsp;Yet the benefits come with substantial risks. Generative AI systems remain prone to factual inaccuracies, legal errors, and fabricated citations. Courts across the United States have repeatedly warned litigants and attorneys that AI-generated content does not relieve them of responsibility for the accuracy of their submissions.Several lawyers have already faced sanctions after submitting court filings containing non-existent cases invented by AI systems.&nbsp;The concern extends beyond accuracy. Historically, lawyers served as an important screening mechanism, discouraging weak claims and ensuring that filings met minimum legal standards. As AI reduces the cost of filing lawsuits, courts may face increasing numbers of poorly researched, procedurally defective, or meritless cases.This creates a potential paradox: the same technology that expands access to justice could also increase pressure on judicial systems that are already struggling with heavy caseloads.&nbsp;Source: <a href="https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/ai-enters-the-courtroom-how-chatbots-are-reshaping-litigation/">https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/ai-enters-the-courtroom-how-chatbots-are-reshaping-litigation/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Note:&nbsp;The study suggests that the most important legal impact of AI may not be automation of lawyers but empowerment of citizens. For generations, self-representation existed largely as a theoretical right for many Americans because the practical demands of litigation were too great. AI is beginning to change that reality by making legal information, drafting assistance, and procedural guidance available on an unprecedented scale.Whether this transformation ultimately strengthens or strains the justice system will depend on how courts, regulators, and legal institutions adapt.&nbsp;What is increasingly clear is that artificial intelligence is no longer merely assisting lawyers—it is helping reshape who can participate in the legal system itself. The coming years may determine whether AI becomes a catalyst for broader access to justice or a disruptive force that overwhelms courts with a new wave of litigation.

Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape one of the most expensive and inaccessible systems in American society: the legal system.

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AI-Powered Legal Filings Surge as Chatbots Expand Access to U.S. Courts

Speaking in an interview with ISNA News Agency, the director of the university’s growth center, Sobh Danyar, said the program is designed to strengthen Iran’s knowledge-based economy by providing structured support to experts, talented graduates, and technology teams developing early-stage innovations.&nbsp;She explained that the initiative focuses on investment and acceleration of promising ideas, with selected teams eligible to receive financial support of up to 500 million tomans, depending on operational progress and milestone achievement. According to Danyar, funding will be released in stages based on the advancement of each project, ensuring a results-oriented evaluation process.&nbsp;The program will prioritize proposals in two main fields: artificial intelligence and digital economy, as well as the design and manufacturing of advanced machinery and equipment. However, its emphasized that projects aligned with the technological ecosystem and development potential of Ilam Province will also be considered without restriction.&nbsp;Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong technical expertise, a documented team track record, a clear and verifiable business model with a defined market, and full-time commitment from core team members. The originality and future viability of the proposed technology are also key evaluation criteria.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://fiqhci.s3.ir-thr-at1.arvanstorage.com/Chat_GPT_Image_Jun_12_2026_09_58_26_AM_30216b2b7f.png"></figure><h3>Additional Support Services</h3>Beyond financial assistance, selected teams will benefit from dedicated workspace at the university’s incubator center, access to specialized mentoring and consulting services, business networking opportunities, and connections to national markets and major investors.The registration deadline for applicants has been set for June 8, 2026Interested participants can apply or access application forms through the official website: <a href="https://roshd.ilam.ac.ir/novin?utm_source=chatgpt.com">University of Ilam Growth Center Application Portal</a>For further information, applicants may also contact the center directly at +98 918 843 0323.The initiative is expected to play a role in strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem in Ilam by supporting early-stage technology development and startup formation.

University of Ilam has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at attracting and supporting innovative ideas and entrepreneurial projects

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University of Ilam Launches Program to Support Creative Ideas and Startups

At the center of the debate is HSBC, whose CEO, Georges Elhedery, recently urged employees not to resist AI-driven transformation as the bank prepares for significant restructuring. Speaking at an investor event, Elhedery told staff, according to Reuters, “We all know generative AI will destroy certain jobs and will create new jobs.” He encouraged workers not to become “overwhelmed” or resistant to technological change, arguing that AI could help employees become “more productive versions of themselves.”&nbsp;These remarks come amid growing evidence that major financial institutions are rapidly accelerating automation across customer onboarding, fraud monitoring, compliance, and back-office operations.&nbsp;Reuters also reported that rival Standard Chartered plans to eliminate nearly 8,000 jobs—around 15% of its corporate-function workforce—by 2030, as it increases investment in AI and automation. Its CEO, Bill Winters, drew criticism after referring to some affected roles as “lower-value human capital.” He later apologized and sought to reassure staff that the transition would include retraining and redeployment opportunities.&nbsp;More broadly, the shift reflects an industry-wide transformation in which AI is increasingly viewed not only as a productivity tool but as a structural force reshaping banking itself. Analysts at Morgan Stanley found that banks and other major firms in finance, technology, and professional services have already reduced staffing levels, particularly among entry-level and offshore roles most exposed to automation.&nbsp;HSBC itself is reportedly considering cuts of up to 20,000 positions—roughly 10% of its workforce—as it expands AI adoption. According to Reuters, non-client-facing roles in global service centers are expected to be among the most affected. At the same time, the bank has been investing heavily in AI infrastructure, including the appointment of David Rice as its first chief AI officer. Internally, AI tools are already being used to shorten onboarding processes, streamline workflows, and enhance anti–financial crime systems.&nbsp;Other major banks are moving in a similar direction. Executives at Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo have acknowledged that AI is beginning to reshape staffing needs, though some emphasize that, so far, the technology has primarily enhanced productivity rather than directly replacing workers.&nbsp;The rapid rollout of AI has also fueled public concern. A recent study by King’s College London found that 60% of Britons believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates, while one in five respondents feared it could contribute to civil unrest.&nbsp;At the same time, technology experts and labor economists have urged caution. Fabian Braesemann of the Oxford Internet Institute warned that firms risk overcorrecting by cutting staff too aggressively before fully understanding AI’s long-term productivity impact.&nbsp;Still, industry momentum continues to build. Reuters reports that banks are becoming increasingly transparent about AI’s role in future workforce reductions, marking a shift away from earlier narratives centered on “efficiency” and “augmentation.” As automation accelerates, the central question for the banking sector may no longer be whether AI will transform jobs, but how quickly workers and institutions can adapt to the change.&nbsp;&nbsp;https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/dont-fight-ai-hsbc-ceo-tells-staff-banks-begin-job-cuts-2026-05-20/

Major financial institutions are accelerating automation efforts across customer onboarding, fraud monitoring, compliance and back-office operations