What is INDIAN.SUBSTACK.COM?

What is the Indian Society of Artificial Intelligence and Law?

Who is Abhivardhan?

Welcome to Indian.substack.com, the official Substack of the Indian Society of Artificial Intelligence and Law (ISAIL).

Founded in 2018 (registered in 2019) by Abhivardhan, a visionary law futurist and entrepreneur, ISAIL has emerged as India's premier industry forum at the intersection of AI, ethics, and law. As of 2022, we have shifted our research operations to VLiGTA, the research & innovation division of Indic Pacific Legal Research, our member organisation.

Through this Substack, we invite you to join our vibrant community of legal professionals, technologists, policymakers, and academics as we navigate the complex landscape of AI governance in India and beyond.

Led by Abhivardhan's expertise in international technology law, corporate innovation, and cultural intelligence, ISAIL is committed to driving responsible AI development and shaping India's leadership in the global AI policy arena.As a subscriber, you'll gain exclusive access to:

• Cutting-edge research and analysis on AI ethics, law, and policy from Indic Pacific Legal Research

• Insights from our esteemed Advisory Council, featuring luminaries like Rodney D Ryder, Roger Spitz, Ish Jain, and Dr. Cristina Vanberghen

• Updates on our flagship events, including the annual Indian Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Law (IndoCon)

• Podcast interviews, discussions and insights from The Bharat Pacific, our podcasting platform

• Opportunities to engage with our diverse community through discussions, webinars, and networking events

With a track record of groundbreaking publications, such as the 2020 and 2021 Handbooks on AI and International Law, ISAIL is at the forefront of shaping India's AI strategy. Our recent works, including "Deciphering Artificial Intelligence Hype and its Legal-Economic Risks" and "Reinventing & Regulating Policy Use Cases of Web3 for India," demonstrate our commitment to tackling the most pressing challenges in AI policy.

You can always access insights and publications by Indic Pacific Legal Research & the Indian Society of Artificial Intelligence and Law at:

• ⁠⁠https://vligta.app/store (Our major publications & reports)

• indicpacific.com/vla

Join us on this transformative journey as we work towards building an inclusive, responsible, and innovation-driven AI ecosystem in India.

Subscribe to Indian.substack.com today and become a part of the conversation shaping the future of AI governance.

Know more about ISAIL at isail.in.

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We share regular updates by the Indian Society of Artificial Intelligence and Law, directly from the Chairperson’s Office, the Secretariat, and our esteemed committees. We also share updates from Visual Legal Analytica and VLiGTA, the technology law research initiative of Indic Pacific Legal Research.

Become a Member

In collaboration with VLiGTA, ISAIL has opened up to accept calls for membership.

We invite lawyers, entrepreneurs, public policy professionals and technology scientists and developers to join our community.

Membership Fee and Subscription Fee

Please look at indian.substack.com to stay updated about the subscription fees of this Substack, and for the membership of ISAIL, please look at isail.in/team to know about the membership fees as updated.

Eligibility Criteria for Individuals

Original Criteria as of January 12, 2023

Only the following are eligible to become the ordinary members of the Indian Society of Artificial Intelligence and Law:

• Indian or Foreign Nationals, who possess a government identification document

• Professionals and scholars in the fields of law, technology and public policy (must be graduates

The membership process is simple. The applicant is required to submit their recent curriculum vitae/contact details at executive@isail.co.in.

Additional Criteria as of September 12, 2023

Students are eligible to be considered as members, provided that those who are pursuing undergraduate courses:

• have completed the 3^rd semester of 5-year / 7-year law course, or the 3^rd semester of their 3-year law course, or

• have completed the 4^th semester of their BTech / BSc / BA / BCA / BCom course, or

• have completed the 5^th semester of their BA (Legal Studies) course.

• Based on the recommendations of VLiGTA and our office bearers, we may request applicants to voluntarily submit a government-issued ID for identity verification and security purposes.

• However, in accordance with data protection norms in India or the applicant's place of residence, applicants have the right to refuse this request.

• Membership requests will be evaluated and decided upon as per the Guidelines on Presence and Activities in Online Groups and Workspaces (https://isail.in/guidelines) and other relevant by-laws of the Trust, in compliance with Indian laws.Memberships are subject to annual renewal.

• To ensure that only genuinely interested individuals remain members, we do not enable recurring payments via UPI e-mandates. Any payment mandates that are formed via indian.substack.com, are subject to Stripe’s payment policies (for that you would require to contact the Substack Team and the Stripe Payments Team.)

• This allows applicants to voluntarily continue their membership as ordinary members of ISAIL based on their ongoing interest.

Become a Member of ISAIL: A Step-by-Step Guide

Joining the Indian Society of Artificial Intelligence and Law (ISAIL) is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to become a member and start enjoying the benefits of being a part of our community.

Step 1: Submit Your Application

To begin the membership process, send your CV and contact information toexecutive@isail.co.in. Our team will review your application and determine if any additional verification is required.

Step 2: Verification Process

If your application requires further verification, you will receive an email from our team requesting the necessary documents, such as your CV or resume. Please provide the requested information promptly to ensure a smooth verification process.

Step 3: Payment and Confirmation

Once your application is approved, you will be asked to complete the registration fee payment. After making the payment, please confirm the date of the transaction. Upon verification of your payment, you will officially become a member of ISAIL, and we will send you your membership certificate.As a new member, you will be assigned a unique alphanumeric identification code, which serves as proof of your ordinary or life membership. This code can be used to verify your membership status whenever necessary.

Step 4: Connect with the ISAIL Community

To fully engage with the ISAIL community, join our exclusive Members Community on Substack and WhatsApp. These platforms provide opportunities to network with fellow members, participate in discussions, and stay informed about the latest developments in AI and law.

• Substack: Subscribe to our Substack newsletter to receive regular updates, articles, and insights from experts in the field.

• WhatsApp: Join our WhatsApp group to connect with other members, share ideas, and engage in real-time discussions.

By following these steps, you will become a part of a vibrant community of professionals passionate about the intersection of AI and law. As a member, you will have access to exclusive resources, events, and opportunities to contribute to the advancement of this rapidly evolving field.We look forward to welcoming you as a member of ISAIL and working together to shape the future of AI and law.

You can join us on Whatsapp, Substack or both.

Please note that there are two ways to engage with the Indian Society of Artificial Intelligence and Law (ISAIL):

1. Subscribing to ISAIL's Substack: You can directly subscribe to ISAIL's content and updates by visiting indian.substack.com. This allows you to stay informed about the latest developments in AI and law through our exclusive articles, insights, and newsletters.However, please keep in mind that subscribing to the Substack alone does not grant you an official certificate of membership or access to the full range of benefits offered to ISAIL members.

2. Becoming an ISAIL Member: To obtain a certificate of membership and enjoy all the privileges associated with being an ISAIL member, you must follow the steps outlined above and have your profile verified in accordance with our membership rules and guidelines.After completing your yearly subscription payment, please send an email to executive@isail.co.in using the same email address you used to register on Substack. In your email, request verification of your membership and attach any necessary supporting documents.Our team will review your application and get back to you with further instructions or confirmation of your membership status. Once verified, you will receive your official ISAIL membership certificate and gain access to exclusive member benefits, such as networking opportunities, event invitations, and more.

We encourage you to explore both options to determine which one best suits your needs and interests. If you have any further questions or require assistance with the membership process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at executive@isail.co.in.

For example, students are not eligible to become members of the Indian Society of Artificial Intelligence and Law. However, they can be our subscribers at indian.substack.com with the benefits restricted to this Substack.

Know more about becoming a member at isail.in/team.

Membership Benefits

[Last updated on October 31, 2023.]

Here is a list of benefits offered to the members of the Indian Society of Artificial Intelligence, in collaboration with VLiGTA®.

Benefits for ISAIL Members

1. Exclusive Insights and Updates: Stay informed about the latest developments in the artificial intelligence industry, including legal and policy perspectives, through ISAIL's dedicated WhatsApp Group and Substack (indian.substack.com).

2. Guest Opinion Opportunities: Share your expertise and thought leadership by contributing guest opinions on law and policy topics. Your articles will be featured on The Bharat Pacific (bharatpacific.com), Visual Legal Analytica (indicpacific.com/vla), and indian.substack.com, providing visibility and recognition within the AI and legal communities.

3. Industry Trend Reports: Gain access to exclusive insight reports on industry trends related to law, technology, and policy, based on valuable input from our members. These reports will be published on indian.substack.com.

4. Networking and Knowledge Sharing: Engage in network meetings and webinars with fellow ISAIL members to discuss various law and technology issues, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

5. Personalised Engagement: Benefit from one-on-one discussions with ISAIL representatives to explore your academic and policy interests in technology law, with a focus on artificial intelligence and law.

6. AI General Assembly Membership: Automatically become a member of the AI General Assembly, ISAIL's Democratic Forum. Participate in policy idea deliberations, vote for Executive Board members, and engage in professional-to-professional and peer-to-peer discourse.

7. Conference Access: Attend the prestigious Indian Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Law, the annual meeting of ISAIL, and connect with industry leaders and experts.

8. Publication Opportunities: Showcase your expertise by contributing to books and other publications developed by the VLiGTA Team at Indic Pacific.

Call for Committee Members

The Indian Society of Artificial Intelligence and Law (ISAIL) is excited to announce the opening of applications for members to join our esteemed AIGA committees. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of AI and law, while working alongside a diverse group of professionals from various backgrounds. We invite you to apply for the following committees:

1. Global Affairs Committee

Current Chairperson - Vishesh Chopra, New Delhi

As a member of the Global Affairs Committee, you will play a crucial role in handling international affairs and outreach activities for the Society. Your responsibilities will include:

• Establishing and maintaining relationships with international organisations and stakeholders in the AI and law domain

• Representing ISAIL at global conferences, seminars, and events

• Contributing to the development of international collaborations and partnerships

• Promoting ISAIL's mission and objectives on a global scale

2. Region Committee

Current Chairperson - NA

The Region Committee is responsible for representing and administering various regional chapters of ISAIL in India and the rest of the world, including the Indo-Pacific region. As a committee member, you will:

• Coordinate with regional chapter leaders to ensure smooth operations and alignment with ISAIL's goals

• Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among regional chapters

• Assist in the establishment of new regional chapters and the expansion of ISAIL's presence

• Organise regional events, workshops, and seminars to promote AI and law

3. Research Ethics Committee

Current Chairperson - Dr Chhavi Sharma, New Delhi

Members of the Research Ethics Committee will have the opportunity to mentor student interns of the Society and participate in research discussions. Your role will involve:

• Providing guidance and support to student interns in their research projects

• Ensuring that research activities adhere to ethical standards and best practices

• Participating in research discussions and contributing to the development of new ideas and approaches

• Reviewing and providing feedback on research proposals and publications

4. R&D Committee

Current Chairperson - Pavithra Manivannan, Mumbai

The R&D Committee is a technical committee focused on discussing technology-oriented developments in AI and law. As a member, you will:

• Engage with technical and scientific experts to explore cutting-edge advancements in AI and law

• Contribute to the development of new tools, frameworks, and methodologies for AI and law research

• Provide insights and recommendations on the technical aspects of ISAIL's projects and initiatives

• Collaborate with other committees to ensure the integration of technical expertise in ISAIL's activities

We encourage professionals from diverse backgrounds, including law, technology, policy, and academia, to apply.

Membership in these committees offers a unique opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, contribute to the advancement of AI and law, and make a meaningful impact on the future of this rapidly evolving field.

Join us in shaping the future of AI and law. Apply now to become a part of ISAIL's AIGA committees.

Non-members will have to become the ordinary or life members of ISAIL.