How do American and European approaches to technological innovation differ in terms of privacy and data security? What are the dangers of using a smartphone? How does ubiquitous digitalisation and the development of artificial intelligence affect legislation, as well as the practice and teaching of law? This is what we discuss with prof. Said Gulyamov from Tashkent University, who visited UG as part of the ‘Visiting Professors’ programme.

Emma Roncsek: - You specialise in technology, law, and ethics. What do these three fields have in common and how do they influence each other?

Professor Said Gulyamov: - The convergence of technology, law, and ethics is fundamentally reshaping our societal landscape. In our increasingly digitalised world, these domains are inextricably interconnected. The pervasive nature of digital systems has transformed not only our daily interactions but also the very fabric of our legal and ethical frameworks. This integration is particularly evident in the realm of legal services, where artificial intelligence and legal technology are revolutionizing traditional practices. Government-provided online platforms now offer instantaneous legal guidance, demonstrating the synergy between technology and law. Consequently, the conventional legal education paradigm is becoming less relevant in this new digital ecosystem.

- Are the lawyers and professors not concerned about this?

- The transition to digital legislation presents challenges, particularly for established academics. However, progressive changes are underway in legal education. In the United States, for instance, there has been a systematic incorporation of AI-related topics into law school curricula. This began with the 2010 declaration to include AI in each subject, followed by the 2020 initiative to create specialized AI and robotics law courses. The 2022 conference further emphasized the need to integrate digitalization across all legal subjects. Projections suggest that within 10-15 years, developed nations will have substantially transformed their legal education systems. While traditional law will remain foundational, its integration with emerging technologies such as cybersecurity and big data analytics will be paramount.

 - Could you tell us more about cybersecurity and cyber law?

- The digital age has fundamentally altered our concept of privacy. The vulnerability of digital information to cyberattacks has elevated the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Cyber law, in this context, has emerged as a critical discipline, on par with constitutional and state law. It provides a digital lens through which we analyze various legal domains. The expansive nature of cyber law necessitates a structured approach to its study and instruction. We have developed a comprehensive framework, dividing the subject into ten primary sections, each further segmented into ten subsections. This structure allows for a thorough examination of diverse topics, including the multifaceted aspects of digital privacy.

- Smartphones warrant a category of their own?

- Indeed, smartphones have become a central focus in cyber law due to their role as repositories of personal information. The capabilities of modern surveillance software raise significant privacy concerns. The potential misuse of personal data extracted from these devices can have severe consequences, as evidenced by cases of privacy breaches leading to tragic outcomes. These incidents underscore the profound impact of digital technology on personal lives and highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of the legal and ethical implications of our digital existence.

- It's just that people haven't learned to control it yet.

- The rapid pace of technological advancement often outstrips societal adaptation and regulatory frameworks. In this context, the European Union's legislative approach stands out for its proactive stance on data protection. We can observe two distinct regulatory philosophies: the American model, which prioritizes innovation, and the European model, which emphasizes stringent personal data protection. The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has emerged as a global benchmark, setting high standards for data privacy and security. This approach not only safeguards individual rights but also fosters a sense of digital security among citizens.

- Tell me about Uzbekistan. What is the situation there?

- In Uzbekistan, cybersecurity legislation is still in its nascent stages, primarily consisting of declarative laws. To address this, we have initiated comprehensive educational programs. At our university in Tashkent, we have introduced 'cyber hygiene' courses for second-year students onwards. These courses cover essential topics such as personal device protection, data security, and safe online practices.

Our efforts extend beyond the academic sphere to encompass public education. In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, we have developed targeted courses for different segments of society. These include general awareness programs for citizens, specialized training for government employees, and tailored courses for businesses, addressing the specific needs of management, IT departments, and general staff.

 - What should employees know about cybersecurity?

- For employees, understanding the secure use of devices and technologies within organizational contexts is crucial. This includes guidelines on the appropriate use of company Wi-Fi networks and personal devices in the workplace. Our program comprises ten comprehensive modules designed to provide essential cybersecurity knowledge to individuals without specialized legal or technical backgrounds. We address everyday challenges faced by the general public, including the rising concern of online bullying among children.

 - You mentioned that you hold classes for citizens. Can you also give our readers some suggestions on what they should be aware of?

- Certainly. The foundation of personal cybersecurity begins with utilizing built-in device protection features such as biometric authentication and PIN codes. However, physical device security is equally important; vigilance in public spaces is essential to prevent unauthorized access. Our cyber hygiene curriculum emphasizes Wi-Fi security, teaching best practices for secure connections and the importance of disabling unnecessary device features that could potentially compromise security. We stress the significance of maintaining awareness of various connectivity options on mobile devices and the importance of disabling them when not in use to mitigate risks of unauthorized access.

 - What are you researching right now at the University of Gdańsk?

- Our current research at the University of Gdańsk focuses on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cyber law. A particularly innovative area of study is neural cybersecurity. As we witness advancements in neural systems and brain-computer interfaces, we are entering uncharted territory in terms of potential vulnerabilities and ethical considerations.

The development of brain-controlled robotics and the potential for future technologies to interpret thoughts raise significant concerns. This necessitates the development of robust cyber neural security protocols. While traditional cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems and data, neural technology introduces a new paradigm where the human mind itself becomes a potential target for cyber threats. This emerging field requires novel approaches to security and ethics.

 - Are there or have there been other projects?

- We are currently engaged in several significant projects. In collaboration with Professor Edvardas Juchnevicius, we are preparing two textbooks: "Fintech and Law" and "Cyber Insurance." These publications address emerging fields that have garnered substantial student interest. Additionally, we recently published a book titled "Intellectual Property in the Digital Age" at Roma Tre University.

A major ongoing initiative is the establishment of joint diploma programs between the University of Tashkent and the University of Gdańsk. We are developing two double degree programs: one focusing on digital government services and another on e-governance. Both programs are scheduled to commence in September 2025, incorporating our recent publications into their curricula.

 - You have also held open courses here before. How would you describe that experience? Did you find the students engaged with the topics?

- My experience teaching at the University of Gdańsk has been exceptionally rewarding. The students demonstrated a high level of intellectual curiosity and a strong commitment to professional development. Their enthusiasm for the digitalization of legal practice was particularly noteworthy. Topics such as cybersecurity, cyber law, and cybercrime resonated strongly with the students, reflecting their awareness of the evolving legal landscape.

In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professor Edvardas Juchnevicius and the leadership of the university and the law faculty for their invitation and support of my work.