AI-generated translations can be a problem. In the legal translation industry, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about some operational advantages. Yet at the same time, it has become a challenge for expert translators and clients.
Although AI-generated translations are efficient, they can also lead to legal mistakes due to weaknesses in the legal interpretation of the applicable regulations in the document to be translated.
The Problem of Using AI in Legal Translations
The rise of automatic translations driven by artificial intelligence has revolutionized the industry’s efficiency. But not without risks.
As the problem with using AI lies in the inability of these technologies to use legal logic based on the case’s context and the intricacies of the language in the interpretation of legal regulations or semantics.
This can lead to severe misunderstandings or errors that represent a conflict of interest for the document holder. A simple translation error could completely change the meaning of a legal provision or its application, leading to legal liability issues.
The role of the human translator on a legal process
In the legal context, an accurate interpretation of terms and clauses is critical. And any gaps in the applicable analysis can result in erroneous interpretations and, ultimately, unfavorable legal outcomes.
The solution to these challenges rests on the shoulders of the human translator who participates in the legal process.
Unlike AI, a human translator has the experience and discernment to grasp the essence of the regulations. It’s ensuring an accurate interpretation and avoiding potential drawbacks, which could end up in penalties for the document holder.
Overcoming the Challenges: Systematic Integration between AI and Expert Translators
To exploit the efficiency of automatic translations without compromising the accuracy of the results, the systematic integration of AI and human reviewing is an effective solution. 
This combination ensures a fast initial translation and the necessary refinement made by the subject matter experts.
The usage of AIs can be valuable tools when translating, but in the legal setting, their use without human supervision can result in costly failures.
The time, the money and other assets such as the client’s individual freedom can be exposed.
With the right balance between technology and human expertise, a precise legal interpretation can be guaranteed. And potentially misunderstandings can be avoided, which could potentially have disastrous consequences in the medium or long term.