ALTeR - Legally Wired

Hosted by The Centre for Advancing Law and Technology Responsibly (ALTeR)

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Oct 2025

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In today's digital landscape, technology is transforming our world faster than ever. How do we navigate these changes responsibly? What frameworks can guide us? Who gets to decide the rules? And for whose benefit? To answer these questions and more, the Centre for Advancing Law & Technology Responsibly at the University of Auckland brings you the Legally Wired Podcast. Each episode brings you conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and experts exploring the intersection of law, technology and sustainable progress, making complex ideas accessible and actionable.

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October 14, 2025Episode 633 min

S1 E6 | Design Meets AI: Balancing Innovation with Human-Centered Values

How does AI impact the world of design education, where human-centered and even planetary-conscious approaches have long been the foundation?In the sixth and last episode of Legally Wired’s first podcast season, Professor Alexandra Andhov speaks with Nan O’Sullivan, former Head of the School of Design Innovation at the University of Victoria, about how design thinking and creative education are grappling with the integration of AI. The discussion covers substantial questions that arise when technology meets creativity. Together, we reflect on the mixed emotional mindsets surrounding AI implementation - excitement, hesitation, and fear - and consider the challenges educators and students face as they navigate expectations, skills, and responsibilities. The conversation explores how design has always evolved alongside technology, how ethical reflection must remain central, and whether AI can truly enhance human-centred design rather than diminish it. At its heart, this dialogue is about agency, critical thinking, and the role of lived experience in shaping creative practice.This episode invites you to explore how design, education, and AI might intersect - and what possibilities could unfold for the future.

September 29, 2025Episode 527 min

S1 E5 | AI in Aotearoa: Building Pathways & Empowering Business

How can New Zealand businesses successfully implement AI into their organisation to drive innovation while building the talent pathways needed for the future?In the fifth episode of the Legally Wired podcast, Professor Alexandra Andhov speaks with Midu Chandra, co-founder of Seen Ventures, a company on a mission to empower New Zealand's business world with AI capabilities and cultivate the next generation of talent.From the opportunities and challenges AI brings to organisations in New Zealand, we explore the evolving role of people and organisations, particularly in the context of SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises). The conversation touches on the questions of why a more experimental mindset is needed, how to balance legal risks with creativity, and why it is important to build organisational intelligence in a diverse environment. We also reflect on how New Zealand's unique context and datasets can serve as a source of insight and inspiration, and why nurturing emerging talent is central to shaping the future of work.This episode invites you to reflect on how AI might transform the way we learn, work, and connect – and what it could mean for organisations and people in New Zealand.Timestamps:(00:50) Episode Starts (01:32) Midu's Introduction - What are we currently seeing in the SME space regarding AI (03:54) What does it mean to use AI in business? (05:12) Capability Building Beyond the Universities - Micro Credentials (07:10) Why is it important for business teams that are building AI to have a roster more diverse than just tech experts?(10:48) AI is not just for Big Tech - Make AI work for you; however, why have there been minimal benefits to AI implementation on an organisational level? (14:18) No one is an expert; therefore, it's important that we experiment with the right boundaries with leadership actively involved. (16:03) Beyond a Technologist's point of view - Regulation is helpful. (16:55) Most common issues/challenges facing SMEs for AI implementation. (19:00) Local NZ industry examples of AI implementation that reflect NZ.(24:03) Midu's Three Main Takeaways(27:07) Conclusion

September 15, 2025Episode 435 min

S1 E4 | Creative Sovereignty: Protecting Kiwi Voices in the AI Era

How can New Zealand build AI systems that truly reflect our unique cultural values and protect our creative industries from being overwhelmed by global tech giants? In the fourth episode of the ALTeR Legally Wired podcast, Professor Alexandra Andhov welcomes Paula Browning CMInstD, Chair of WeCreate: the alliance representing 30,000+ Kiwi creators and creative businesses across fashion, advertising, design, gaming, photography, and beyond.Drawing from insights at the AI Creative Summit, they explore the critical absence of New Zealand perspectives in globally trained AI systems and debate whether the country should develop its own sovereign AI. The conversation tackles practical challenges around IP protection, particularly how creators struggle to safeguard their work on Big Tech Platforms with constantly shifting rules. Browning CMInstD addresses the frustrating dynamic where creatives get labelled "anti-innovation" for seeking fair protection, while emphasising the importance of funding AI education for both our teachers and creatives to guide them in the new digital era. Additionally, they discuss the urgent need to update the country's outdated Copyright Act (1994) and Browning CMInstD shares examples of New Zealand AI tools that embody Kiwi values. This episode highlights new ways to protect, amplify, and future-proof New Zealand’s cultural voice on the global stage. It is essential listening for anyone interested in technology, creativity, and cultural sovereignty in Aotearoa. Timestamps:(00:50) Introduction (01:40) What does Wecreate do, and what are they seeing in the creative space? (07:00) Reflection on the AI Creative Summit: What are your experiences and impressions on where the creative industry in Aotearoa is going?(08:40) What might a unique New Zealand AI look like and how could it reflect our values? (14:17) What is a specific example from the Summit showcasing what made New Zealand AI tools distinctly Kiwi? (15:42) Should New Zealand create its own sovereign AI? (20:13) Where do we stand in New Zealand when it comes to replicating human work with AI? (25:21) The difficulties in protecting New Zealand IP in global markets, when they are often subject to changing rules on Big Tech platforms.(28:30) How creatives get labelled as anti-innovation when protecting their work(30:15) Big Tech lobbying in NZ (32:00) Ending on a positive note - what can we do to improve the future(34:55) Conclusion

September 1, 2025Episode 332 min

S1 E3 | Digitaonga: Where AI Meets Cultural Heritage

How can emerging technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, or 3D scanning and printing help us preserve, protect, and reimagine cultural heritage? In the third episode of the ALTeR Legally Wired podcast, Professor Alexandra Andhov welcomes Sarah Elsie Baker, Research Director of the New Zealand-founded Digitaonga project, which is dedicated to preserving, reconnecting, and repatriating taonga tūturu (protected Māori cultural objects). What began as a student project exploring blockchain has grown into a powerful platform with the potential of Digitaonga to transform how cultural artefacts are preserved in the future. Together, we explore both the cultural implications and the ways technology can contribute to this vision. Sarah explains why a taonga-led approach, the involvement of kaitiaki principles (guardianship) and collective decision-making have been cornerstones in the development of Digitaonga. Along the way, we examine the creative potential of AI-driven 3D scanning and how blockchain can secure the preservation of cultural artefacts. This episode invites you to re-think cultural heritage in the digital age and provides new perspectives on the relationship between people, cultural artefacts, and technology.Timestamps: (00:53) Episode Begins(01:32) Sarah's Introduction and what she does in the Media Design School(04:11) What is Digitaonga? How did this begin? (06:59) What were the initial thoughts behind Digitaonga, how did we think it could be used?(08:51) What is the technology behind the digital replication of Taonga?(11:00) When did AI start playing a part in this? With an explanation of Photogrammetry and AI.(13:24) How does Kaitiaki play a part in Digitaonga and what value does it bring?(14:48) How would you imagine this working in practice?(17:20) An example of Digitaonga in practice(20:37) What should we take away from Māori practices in establishing our digital frameworks in relation to Taonga?(23:38) The place of animism in Artificial Intelligence and importance of atmosphere in design. (27:50) Looking to the future and ending remarks

August 18, 2025Episode 233 min

S1 E2 | Human Connection in an AI Media Landscape

How do we preserve the irreplaceable human element in journalism and creativity as AI transforms the media landscape?In the second episode of ALTeR Legally Wired's "AI in Creativity" season, Professor Alexandra Andhov speaks with Laura Ellis, whose journey from BBC journalism into AI development offers unique insights into the media's evolving relationship with artificial intelligence. From translation services to productivity tools, Laura reveals how AI is revolutionising media production while examining the crucial balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and maintaining journalistic trust. The conversation tackles one of the media's most pressing challenges: personalising content without creating dangerous filter bubbles or losing the shared experience that traditional news provides. Through compelling examples—including an Italian publication caught using AI-generated articles—we dive into the broader implications for creativity and engage in a philosophical conversation about context in art. As AI offers "infinite context and no context at the same time," discover whether artificial intelligence can truly replicate the human context that gives meaning to creative work, and what this means for the future of human-made art.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:41) Laura's journey from journalism to AI R&D(03:15) How is AI being used in traditional news media? (05:45) Trust and responsibility in AI journalism(08:50) The BBC's approach to AI deployment(13:50) How do we implement media feed personalisation responsibly?(18:27) How will the public's relationship change with media when AI-generated content becomes prominent?(22:32) What elements of creativity will remain unchanged as AI capabilities advance? (29:00) Examples of AI in other forms of art(31:00) Concluding Remarks This episode is produced in collaboration with AI Forum NZ at the University of Auckland, Faculty of Law.

August 4, 2025Episode 128 min

S1 E1 | Laying the Foundation: AI’s Journey in Aotearoa

What does it mean to build AI that truly serves Aotearoa New Zealand's unique cultural landscape and creative communities?In our debut episode of ALTeR Legally Wired, we lay the foundation for understanding AI's evolving role in New Zealand. ALTeR Director Professor Alexandra Andhov sits down with Madeline Newman, Executive Director of AI Forum NZ, for an insightful conversation about the current state and future potential of artificial intelligence in Aotearoa.From the mission and impact of AI Forum NZ to the intersection of technology and creativity, this episode explores how New Zealand is positioning itself in the global AI landscape. We dive into the local AI ecosystem, examine inspiring international examples of culturally-sensitive AI development, and discover how technology can be used to preserve and celebrate indigenous languages and cultures. Plus, get a sneak peek at the incredible experts joining us throughout this season as we explore the complex relationship between artificial intelligence, law, creativity, and society.This episode is produced in collaboration with AI Forum NZ at the University of Auckland, Faculty of Law.

July 28, 20250 min

Welcome to ALTeR | Legally Wired

Join us for a sneak peek at what’s in store and why you’ll want to stick around.

February 13, 2024Episode 840 min

CPH S3 E7 | Drones

Are We Ready to Share Our Skies with Drones?In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the integration of drones into our daily lives is no longer a question of "if" but "when." The latest episode of the Copenhagen Legal Tech Lab Podcast, "Rethinking Big Tech," hosted by Alexandra, delves deep into this topic with guest Anna Zenz, a PhD candidate deeply immersed in the study of drone technology's development, regulation, and societal impact.The conversation unveils the complexities of drone technology from its military origins to its current and potential civilian applications, including delivery services. It critically examines the regulatory challenges, public sentiment, and the broader implications of drones on privacy, safety, and environmental concerns. With commercial drone delivery on the rise, particularly highlighted through the case study of Google's Wing in Australia, the episode provides invaluable insights into the ongoing debate around technological advancement versus community well-being.This episode is not just a discussion; it's a call to action for policymakers, legal professionals, technologists, and the public to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future we want to create with these technologies. The balance between innovation and regulation, the importance of community engagement, and the need for nuanced regulatory approaches are central themes.As we stand at the crossroads of embracing drone technology, this episode serves as a crucial resource for understanding the multifaceted implications of drones in our skies. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, law, and society.

January 30, 2024Episode 737 min

CPH S3 E6 | Human-Centred Regulation

Is the inevitability of tech-driven legislation a foregone conclusion? Dive into our latest podcast episode "Challenging Inevitability" for a compelling discussion on reshaping tech policy through human-centric approaches.🎧 In this insightful discussion, Dr. Hannah Smith of the UWA Tech and Policy Lab and UWA Law School sheds light on crafting technology regulations with public interest at the core. Discover the transformative power of inclusive legislative processes and the crucial role of citizen participation in establishing norms that resonate with societal values.We explore the pivotal influence of major tech entities on policy-making and the imperative of fostering a legislative ecosystem that is transparent, participatory, and reflective of the community's aspirations. Dr. Smith points to successful models like V Taiwan, showcasing the tangible benefits of integrating citizen voices in governance.🌐 Join us in this thought-provoking journey to unravel the complexities of adapting participatory models across diverse cultural landscapes, emphasizing the significance of iterative, citizen-focused frameworks in lawmaking.This episode, a part of the "Rethinking Big Tech" series by Copenhagen Legal Tech Lab, is not just a conversation but an invitation to reimagine the future of tech policy. Thanks to UWA Tech & Policy Lab, University of WA, and the University of Copenhagen for facilitating this enlightening discussion. A big thanks again to UWA Tech & Policy Lab Directors Julia Powles and Jacqueline Alderson for their leadership of the Lab’s research program and for making this season possible.Supported by the Carlsberg Foundation and Independent Research Fund Denmark.

January 16, 2024Episode 628 min

CPH S3 E5 | Immersive Tech and Online Safety

🌐 Are we ready for the Metaverse? The latest episode of the Copenhagen Legal/Tech Lab Podcast delves deep into the heart of virtual reality's future.In episode 5 of Season 3, we're joined by Noelle Martin, a legal activist and researcher from the UWA Tech & Policy Lab. She sheds light on the potential societal and legal implications of the Metaverse. How will our identities be protected? What about privacy and online safety in a world where the lines between digital and physical blur?🤔 Noelle and host Alexandra Andhov engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the challenges of regulating this emerging virtual world. From deepfakes to virtual crimes, the conversation uncovers the myriad issues we must navigate as we edge closer to a 3D digital universe.🔍 Learn how the Metaverse could redefine human interaction, privacy, and legal boundaries. This episode is not just a conversation but a wake-up call to policymakers and the public alike.Thanks to UWA Tech & Policy Lab, University of WA, and the University of Copenhagen for facilitating this enlightening discussion. A special mention to our supporters, Carlsberg Foundation and Independent Research Fund Denmark.#Metaverse #VirtualReality #LegalTech #OnlineSafety #TechPolicy #DigitalIdentity #CopenhagenLegalTechLab