The University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government and the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) have launched the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice, a new initiative aimed at applying artificial intelligence (AI) to global justice issues. The Institute was announced at an event held at the Blavatnik School, where co-founders Amal Clooney and Philippa Webb discussed its primary focus areas: using AI to improve access to justice, promoting accountability for unlawful cyber operations, and protecting human rights in digital-age trials.
Amal Clooney, CFJ Co-Founder and Visiting Professor of Practice in International Law at the University of Oxford, said: "The Clooney Foundation for Justice has helped secure freedom for dozens of unjustly detained journalists and provided legal support to thousands of women fighting child marriage, violence and discrimination. The Institute will allow us to scale this crucial work by harnessing the power of AI to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time."
Philippa Webb, Professor of Public International Law at the Blavatnik School of Government, emphasized the significance of the partnership: "This partnership represents a paradigm shift in how we approach justice in the digital age. By combining world-leading academic research with CFJ's experience waging justice in 40 countries, we can ensure that as technology transforms our world, it strengthens rather than undermines fundamental principles of justice such as the right to a fair trial."
Attorney General Lord Hermer KC expressed government support for the initiative, stating that embracing AI's potential could transform the justice system and strengthen the rule of law: "AI’s full potential to transform the justice system, deliver for people, and encourage growth... represents an exciting opportunity to harness technological innovation that will strengthen the rule of law and ensure everyday protections for those who need them most."
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, highlighted the importance of responsible AI use: "This international collaboration encourages the use of AI as a tool for good while assessing the risks related to its potential weaponisation.... The Institute will play a vital role in promoting research and dialogue that informs the public debate on these critical issues."
CFJ will act as the implementing partner, developing digital tools to enhance access to justice for journalists and other at-risk groups. The Blavatnik School will lead research into advancing justice in AI-assisted court proceedings, legal accountability for cyber attacks, and the use of digital evidence in trials.
The Institute is already working on several projects, including the AI Justice Atlas—a tool mapping AI use and regulation in courtrooms across 15 jurisdictions. This resource is available on the Institute’s website and will expand to cover more regions. Other projects include a policy brief on legal accountability for cyber operations, an AI-powered legal information app for women and girls in Malawi developed with the Women Lawyers Association of Malawi, a legal automation tool for protection order applications in regions with limited legal resources, and an AI-powered referral tool for journalists in partnership with the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Initial funding for the Institute comes from Microsoft, which is also providing technical support through its AI for Good Lab and Office of Responsible AI.