Latvians increasingly turn to artificial intelligence for legal advice

A study published by LSM found that the number of Latvian residents seeking answers to legal questions from artificial intelligence has doubled, although the information provided is not always up to date or accurate.

Legal literacy, defined as an understanding of rights and responsibilities and the ability to exercise them in real-life situations, has been measured among residents for the second consecutive year.

The survey of 1,000 permanent residents aged 16 to 75 found that the average legal literacy index had fallen by 0.3 points from last year. This year’s score was 9.67 on a scale from 4 to 16.

Ieva Viļuma, a board member of Latvijas Vēstnesis, said there had been no significant change from the previous year. However, she said state institutions should ensure that legal information is accurate, easy for the public to understand and available through the technology channels people use.

The study found that 15% of respondents asked artificial intelligence about legal issues last year, compared with one third this year.

“The methods provided by artificial intelligence are fast, of course, but the question is about the result and the sources of information that have been reviewed,” Viļuma said.

More than half of respondents, or 56%, rated their knowledge of legal matters as good or very good. However, 42% said they could easily find the information they needed, while only 30% said they could easily understand the legal information provided by state institutions.

Respondents rated their knowledge of employment law most highly. Some 52% said they knew what to do if an employer failed to comply with the Labour Law or the terms of an employment contract. Nearly half, or 49%, rated their knowledge of the content and significance of contracts and legal documents as good or very good.