What are some of the legal challenges that IT companies face in the development and use of emerging technologies in their products?

The main legal challenges IT companies face in relation to development and use of emerging technologies are adequate knowledge of the increasing legal complexity in ensuring “data privacy by design” across different legal systems, in rapidly changing digital environments (IOT, facial recognition and more), an in-depth understanding and consistent selection of appropriate legal systems to ensure copyright protection to digital works created by artificial intelligence as well as to AI-created patentable inventions. As well as contribution to building-up the suitable legal corporate framework and procedures to comply with data ethics and human centric approach in development and commercial activities (trustworthiness in services and products).

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

Pandemic-related consequences in the work environment have been both positive (more time, more flexibility, more trusted accountability) and negative (sense of isolation, scattered communications). Overall, the outcome looks positive.

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Our team has been involved in the pilot case ISO 37001 Certification, enhanced compliance with more attention on ESG-related activities (sustainability report, non-financial reporting). We also set up a new Region (NTT DATA EMEA and Latin America), which is active in four countries with 40,000 employees, and €3bn turnover, with direct responsibility for compliance and risk management.