Focus on data sovereignty, algorithmic bias and digital divide
The Department of Law, Nagaland University, is hosting an international conference on “Synergy between Deep Tech and Socio-Legal Transformation: Strategies for Viksit Bharat@2047” from April 29–30, 2026, bringing together legal scholars, policymakers, technologists and students to examine how emerging technologies are reshaping legal systems, governance and society.
The inaugural session on April 29 was chaired by Dr Sentikumla, Assistant Professor, Department of Law. In his welcome address, Convenor Dr Kuldeep Singh Panwar, Head of the Department, said the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and deep technologies requires not only technical understanding but also “strong legal and ethical frameworks,” and highlighted the role of students and researchers in ensuring responsible innovation aligned with constitutional values.
Registrar Dr Abemo and Prof B Kilangla Jamir, Dean, School of Social Sciences, noted that the conference addresses “the intersection of law and technology,” and emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue.
Chief Guest Dr Tsielhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, Kohima Town, drew parallels between artificial intelligence systems and traditional Naga institutions such as the morung and village councils, describing them as collective knowledge systems. He said the key question is “not whether technology can be developed, but whether it should be developed and used in particular ways,” and stressed the need to balance technological advancement with fundamental rights, including privacy and life under Article 21.
Guest of Honour Nellayappan B, OSD to the Chief Minister and Deputy Director (Legal), said the strength of a legal system lies in its ability to encourage “questioning, accountability, and independence of thought,” and underscored the role of law in social transformation.
Keynote speaker Prof M K Bhandari, Founder Director of GALTER, spoke on deep technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and quantum computing, stressing that “human agency must remain central” to their development. He highlighted issues of data sovereignty, algorithmic bias, the digital divide and future security challenges.
Mankiranjit Kaur, Director, National Legal Academy, Malaysia, spoke on data protection laws and AI regulation in Malaysia, including provisions under the Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 aimed at regulating harmful online content and strengthening safeguards.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, in his inaugural address, highlighted the role of deep technology in India’s development and said that progress must be measured not only by capability but by “the ability to regulate and channel it responsibly for societal benefit.”
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Sentikumla.
