Herbert Smith Freehills Launches AI Tool to Help Clients Track Global AI Regulations

Herbert Smith Freehills Launches AI-Powered Tool to Track AI Regulation

Global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has introduced the HSF AI Tracker, an AI-driven tool designed to help clients stay updated on AI policy and regulation. Developed by the firm’s Emerging Technology Group, the tool addresses the challenge of monitoring AI laws that are evolving across multiple jurisdictions.

The AI Tracker collects core AI principles and regulations released by governments along with the broader set of existing laws relevant to AI technology. During its pilot phase, it was accessed over 5,500 times across various industry sectors, demonstrating strong client interest.

What the HSF AI Tracker Covers

• AI policy: Aggregates principles, guidance, and official documents that set out government AI ambitions and goals.
• AI regulation: Tracks binding laws and regulations on AI development, usage, and investment.
• AI-related law: Includes related legal areas such as data protection, data security, and intellectual property.
• Case law and judicial decisions: Monitors court rulings that reshape legal frameworks or establish new precedents for AI applications.

The database will be updated regularly to include developments across 12 jurisdictions, starting with the UK, Australia, and countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with plans to expand further.

Why This Matters to Legal Professionals

Alexander Amato-Cravero, director of Emerging Technology Advisory and Legal Operations Advisory at HSF, highlights the difficulty companies face in tracking AI laws due to the pace of change and differing approaches worldwide. The AI Tracker aims to simplify this process for legal, risk, and compliance teams by providing clear, up-to-date information on key AI regulations.

Jamie Ball, manager in the Emerging Technology Advisory team, adds that AI regulation is complex, and access to a consolidated view of policies and laws helps legal teams make better-informed decisions.

This move is practical and timely. While the data and policies are publicly available, packaging them into an easy-to-use tool that integrates with HSF’s existing digital marketplace—offering tools for privilege, ESG, dawn raids, and now AI policy—adds real value for clients and internal users alike.

There is potential for further development, such as enabling users to quickly insert regulatory language and policy references directly into contracts or briefs. This would transform the tool into a hands-on resource for legal work.

The Context of AI Regulation Today

AI regulation remains unsettled globally. In the US, regulatory efforts face significant opposition and uncertainty. Meanwhile, the European Union is considering revising its recently introduced AI Act to address concerns about its restrictiveness. The UK is still debating approaches on AI-related topics, including intellectual property rights around AI-generated artistic works.

Given these dynamics, a tool like HSF AI Tracker provides essential clarity and helps legal teams keep pace with ongoing changes.

You can learn more about the HSF AI Tracker here.

Legal Innovators California Conference – San Francisco, June 11-12

Legal professionals interested in AI and innovation should consider attending the Legal Innovators California conference in San Francisco on June 11 and 12. This event features speakers from top law firms, in-house legal teams, and technology companies sharing insights on the latest in legal AI.

Confirmed participants include &AI, Legora, Harvey, StructureFlow, Ivo, Flatiron Law Group, PointOne, Centari, LexisNexis, eBrevia, Legatics, Knowable, Draftwise, newcode.AI, Riskaway, Aracor, SimpleClosure, and more. Leading law firms such as Cooley, Wilson Sonsini, Baker McKenzie, Gunderson, Ropes & Grey, A&O Shearman will also be represented.

For more information and tickets, visit the official Legal Innovators California site.