The implications of the use of artificial intelligence in the notarial profession

Abstract

In light of the recent promulgation of the first comprehensive Artificial Intelligence regulation in 2024, AI usage is exponentially developing in various industries, and potentially, in the notarial industry. This report analyses the implications of AI usage in the notarial field, including; AI’s potential applications, the ethical and legal constraints that may apply to notaries using AI, as well as the considerations necessary upon the creation and application of AI programs for notaries. Noteworthy, notaries infringing pertinent legislation regarding AI utilisation may risk being considerably fined and/or have their trustworthy reputation jeopardised. Therefore, the main objective of this professional report is to encapsulate AI implications for a notary upon considering using AI in his work. Qualitative research utilising relevant legislation and foreign publications helped the author form an understanding of such novel concept and propose ideals for the way forward in the local context. Nevertheless, the common phenomenon that AI is replacing humans’ occupations is inapplicable in the notarial profession since as conveyed by this report, the physical notary’s presence via AI usage is becoming more vital than ever.