Artificial intelligence is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity for justice. That’s the message from Vladimir Norov, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and current Chairman of the Central Asian Association for Artificial Intelligence, who told Daryo that Uzbekistan must act quickly to integrate AI into its judicial system.

Speaking during the International Investment Forum in Tashkent — where digital innovation and governance were among the hot topics — Norov emphasized that modern technologies like AI can help solve long-standing problems in the country’s courts and restore public trust. As a moderator of the forum’s session on artificial intelligence, he said the time for discussion is over, and the time for action has come.

“The court needs artificial intelligence”

“In today's era of the Internet and artificial intelligence, information exchange is powerful. What is happening in each country — everyone knows. It cannot be hidden. I think the judicial system also needs to be developed,” Norov said.

He noted that a special conference was held earlier this year in collaboration with the Supreme Court and the School of Judges to explore the introduction of AI in the judicial system.

“There are a lot of problems in the courts now. No one denies this. People are dissatisfied with the system. Our lives are changing, the population is increasing. The economy, private property, and entrepreneurship are developing. Of course, the court must also change in this process,” he said.

According to Norov, one of the most pressing challenges is the lack of timely responses to applications and growing public objections regarding court rulings. 

“These tasks can be performed by artificial intelligence — that is, without the human factor,” he said.

“Artificial intelligence will be an advisor to the judge”

Norov explained that artificial intelligence could play a vital role in monitoring and analyzing judicial processes. He emphasized that AI is particularly effective in overseeing court procedures and providing analytical insights—an issue that was thoroughly discussed during a recent roundtable with the Supreme Court.

He warned that without swift action, Uzbekistan’s judicial system risks falling behind. 

“Today, artificial intelligence is rapidly entering and developing the economy, including banking, trade, and e-commerce. Now, if the judicial system doesn't make an effort to do this, it will be left behind.”

As an example, he pointed to China, where internet courts are now operating fully with AI. 

“Artificial intelligence runs everything. It's developing rapidly there. I was amazed after working there for three years. Now they have opened a hospital. There are 42 doctors there — this is artificial intelligence. We also need to speed up these things.”

Norov emphasized that artificial intelligence will not replace judges but serve as an advisor, helping them analyze past rulings and make more informed decisions while preserving the human element in the judicial process.

“If we don't teach current staff to use artificial intelligence in their work, we will continue to lag behind. Life is developing rapidly. The court and justice system must also develop,” he stressed.

“ChatGPT is my only assistant”

Norov also shared his personal use of artificial intelligence tools. 

“I use artificial intelligence every day. I used to be a minister, secretary general, and ambassador. Back then, I had assistants. Now, I don't have anyone. But I have ChatGPT. It's more efficient,” he said.

He added that ChatGPT provides instant and more satisfying answers compared to human assistants, making it a more efficient tool for his daily needs.

“Artificial intelligence is a big threat”

Despite the benefits, Norov acknowledged the potential dangers of AI. 

“In 2023, a major forum on artificial intelligence security was held in Beijing. Experts from Stanford University, India, and China participated in it and deeply analyzed the future risks associated with artificial intelligence.”

He warned that AI is advancing rapidly toward a stage where it may surpass human intelligence. 

“This is a worrying situation. Artificial intelligence can reach such a level that it cannot be turned off. That's why people are working to reduce this risk right now.”

Norov stressed the importance of responsible artificial intelligence development, warning that without it, countries risk falling behind. 

He recalled past resistance to new technologies, saying, “I remember writing in ink by hand at school. Then ballpoint pens appeared. We were forbidden to use them. Then calculators appeared when my children were studying. The school also banned the use of calculators. The idea was: if young people use calculators, they will not be smart. Then came computers, the Internet. There were such concerns back then.” 

Despite these fears, he emphasized that each of these innovations ultimately contributed to the advancement of civilization.

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