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In recent years, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become a key part of how we communicate, share ideas, and consume information. However, these platforms have also been at the center of controversial problems, such as hate speech, cyberbullying, and the spreading of false information. One main question as these platforms grow is whether social media companies can be held responsible for the content posted on their websites. Currently, in the United States, many social media platforms are protected by laws like Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects them from legal responsibility for the content posted by users. This was originally designed to encourage free speech and allow platforms to moderate content without fear of legal consequences. However, as the impact of social media has become more evident, people argue that this law has allowed platforms to avoid responsibility for harmful content, such as violence, spreading fake news, or enabling harassment. One of the main issues with the current legal framework is the lack of accountability for platforms when harmful content goes viral. For instance, platforms have been criticised for their role in spreading misinformation during elections, especially at times where users have manipulated algorithms to amplify false narratives. Similarly, many have raised concerns about the regularity of cyberbullying and hate speech on social media platforms, which can cause real harm to individuals. In response to these concerns, there has been growing pressure for legal reforms to hold social media platforms accountable. In the EU, the Digital Services Act aims to create stricter rules for online platforms, including requirements for greater transparency in how content is controlled and punished for platforms that fail to remove harmful material. In the U.S., there are ongoing discussions about whether Section 230 should be altered or annulled to make platforms more liable for harmful content. However, holding platforms accountable is not a simple task. Social media companies argue that moderation is a complicated process, and regulating content on a global scale creates questions of freedom of expression, as well as what is considered acceptable content and at what point is it considered censorship. As social media continues to be criticised and questioned, a balanced legal framework is a clear solution to minimise the harm spread. Although protecting free speech is an important part of many places around the world, social media companies are equally as responsible - if not more - as the users for the content spread on the internet, creating a safe environment while simultaneously having an area to openly express opinions.

Beneath the surface of general perception, mathematics is the architect of all nature. While mathematics is largely thought of as being confined to textbooks and classrooms, the principles of maths today are seen in all elements of our world: the perfect symmetry of a snowflake; faultless polyhedra of a beehive; and the ever-continuing parallel lines of sand dunes. Natural forms are molded on mathematical concepts, and often go unnoticed. Transformations in Nature Mathematical transformations such as rotations, translations and scaling are abundant in nature. The Fibonacci Sequence is a mathematical sequence consisting of the Fibonacci numbers (1,1,2,3,5 etc) which create a series of squares with lengths equal to these numbers. When a line is traced through the diagonals of each square, a Fibonacci spiral is formed. Examples of this spiral are observed throughout nature. Notice the similarities when looking at the chambers of a nautilus shell, the centre of a sunflower and shape of a galaxy - all examples where Fibonacci’s sequence appears. Transformations can also be seen in wave patterns, both visibly in water and through the vibration of particles in sound waves. Physics has allowed us to understand how the oscillations and distribution of energy creates all types of wave transformation, such as reflection and refraction, to become a vital mathematical component of our natural world.  Symmetry in Nature Nature is overflowing with symmetry. A harmonious and distinct quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis, symmetry can be found in many different forms. Bilateral symmetry refers to an object which has two sides that are mirror images of each other; most animals have this type of symmetry. Moths and butterflies are a prime example as they have a single line of symmetry down the middle of their body to shape identical patterns on each wing. The replication of patterns is theoretically always the same because patterns are hard-wired in the genome and the genetic code is uniform for all cells on both wings. As proven, the symmetry of their wings is a crucial part in their mating displays and camouflage. Other examples of bilateral symmetry include the human body, leaves, worms, cats, dogs, clams and snails.  Radial symmetry, in which a centre point with numerous lines of symmetry can be drawn, is also present in many aspects of the natural world. A starfish, for example, exhibits dihedral symmetry (the group of symmetries of a regular pentagon); there are five axes of reflection at each vertex of a starfish allowing us to see the same image when rotated by 72 degrees. The beautiful and complex structures of snowflakes, formed from frozen water vapour in the atmosphere, represent hexagonal (six-sided) symmetry, as they produce the same image each time they are rotated by 60 degrees. Geometry is key in the growth of snowflakes, and all of them exhibit the same patterns of symmetry. When looking into the science of snowflakes, this symmetry is created by water molecules which have tetrahedral shapes forming hexagonal rings when bonded with each other. The rings then stack in a hexagonal lattice - the fundamental unit of these natural wonders. As proven, nature is full of perfection due to symmetry.  The natural world is filled with patterns which can be explained by mathematical principles -  these patterns not only show us the beauty in our physical world, but also provide us with insight into its workings. Maths has existed in the Universe before humans have, and now helps us explain the natural phenomena of our planet and beyond. Although hidden to the ordinary mind, it is undeniably key in blueprinting the smallest snowflakes to the largest galaxies. Ultimately, nature continues to remind us that mathematics is influential in every aspect, shaping the world in ways both remarkable and beautiful.

Every day we witness the sun setting as night falls. The colours are vibrant and warm, illuminating our sky with intricate combinations. On March 18, 2025, the world was presented with a new perspective of the sunset; something we haven’t seen before.  The Firefly’s blue ghost landed on the moon on March 2, 2025. It is the first private spacecraft to land and complete the entirety of its mission (taking pictures on the moon). It collected scientific data for 5 hours before falling silent due to the lack of solar energy. One of the extraordinary pictures the spacecraft took was of a lunar sunset.  Sun setting on the moon, Venus and Earth in the distance (NASA/Firefly Aerospace via AP) Due to the moon's lack of an atmosphere, those vibrant colours we see on Earth aren’t present. Instead, the sun dips below the lunar horizon, giving us long shadows and a luminous glow. In the photo, there is also a small dot, our neighbouring and twin planet, Venus. This was a part of NASA’s initiative to try and bring private companies into lunar missions. The mission's goals were to test lunar technology, deliver scientific equipment, and collect data. The success of the Blue Ghost mission opens new doors for private companies, leading to endless possibilities for change in lunar missions. This increases the opportunities for space travel in the future, even offering the potential for discoveries in the future.

Fashion's Shift Towards Escapism In response to global challenges such as climate change, economic uncertainty, etc, the fashion industry is embracing escapism (the embracing of dressing in a new and whimsical fashion to improve mood) . Designers are moving away from minimalism and practicality and instead opting for fantastical, dreamlike aesthetics that take consumers to another world. By introducing unconventional styles, such as the one-legged trouser trend seen in Spring/Summer 2025 collections by Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, and Coperni. Accessories have also become more lively, with handbags fashioned into unique shapes like turtles and apples, reflecting a desire for playfulness in daily life. These developments indicate a shift towards exploring and breaking traditional fashion codes, offering an escape from everyday realities. The rise of dopamine dressing (a term which refers to the focus on mood-boosting, bright colors, and unconventional designs) reflects a growing desire for clothing that brings joy and self-expression. Additionally, fashion shows are becoming increasingly theatrical, incorporating elements of performance art and digital augmentation to create immersive experiences. This trend challenges traditional fashion norms, encouraging and individuality.   Beyond the physical world, virtual fashion is also gaining traction, with luxury brands investing in digital garments for avatars in the metaverse. Companies like Gucci are exploring blockchain technology to create NFT-based fashion pieces that offer exclusive ownership and digital collectibility. The increasing integration of AI in fashion design, from generative clothing patterns to AI stylists, further indicates that fashion's future will be deeply intertwined with technology. As global uncertainties persist, fashion continues to serve as both an escape and a medium of cultural expression, proving that what we wear is more than just fabric—it's a reflection of the world we live in and our identity.  Social Media Trends: The Rise of Short-Time Content Ephemeral content—posts that disappear after a short period—has become a driving force on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. This trend taps into the reducing attention span of young people, which encourages users to engage more frequently with content. Limited-time offers,  exclusive behind-the-scenes, and live streams create a sense of urgency and priority when interacting with some of this media. The psychology behind ephemeral content is rooted in human behavior; people are more likely to engage with something they perceive as temporary and exclusive. This format also aligns with changing digital habits, particularly among Gen Z, whom studies show prefer raw, unfiltered content over polished, highly curated and perhaps ingenuine posts. The success of ephemeral content has even influenced traditional media, with even a few news organisations experimenting with short-form, disappearing news stories to attract younger audiences. Brands are using this format in advertising, by creating more limited-time discounts, interactive polls, and teaser campaigns, making advertising more engaging and participatory to younger audiences. As algorithms continue to prioritise short, engaging content, this kind of media is set to play an even bigger role in shaping how people interact with online platforms in the future. AI's Impact on the Entertainment Industry Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an important figure in content creation within the entertainment industry. Warner Bros. partnered with Cinelytic to use AI for casting decisions, by evaluating an actor’s market value to predict a film's financial success in the box office. Renowned filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo, known for their work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, are at the forefront of AI integration in Hollywood, in their latest Netflix film ‘The Electric State’ which was released on the 14th. Moving forwards, there are aims to develop AI-powered filmmaking tools that quicken production processes, from scriptwriting to post-production - for example AI-driven voice cloning and deepfake technology are just a few examples of discussions, in order to bring deceased actors back to life on screen or to de-age performers in real-time. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime are also employing AI to generate personalised recommendations, ensuring viewers stay engaged for longer periods. AI-powered tools are now capable of composing film scores, generating background characters, and even coming up with fully AI-generated scripts. This shift has raised concerns about the authenticity of storytelling and whether an AI can bring the same sensitivity and feeling to a film that a human can, as well as the danger in job security within the entertainment industry. Some actors and writers fear that AI may replace human creativity, while others argue that AI can serve as a powerful tool to enhance artistic expression. Consumer Behavior: The Demand for Hyper-Personalisation Most of today's consumers expect personalised experiences suited to their wants, and brands are using real-time data, machine learning, and AI to deliver highly relevant and tailored content, products, and advertisements. Hyper-personalisation is visible in everything from curated Spotify playlists, to streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ now using advanced algorithms to create customised user experiences, which influences everything from the  thumbnail images to suggested viewing lists. The rise of AI-generated influencers, showcases the growing impact of hyper-personalization in digital interactions These AI personas engage with large audiences, promote brands, and blur the line between reality and artificiality. For example, AI influencer Lu do Magalu is now the most followed AI influencer with over 7 million followers from all over the world. E-commerce platforms are also utilising virtual try-on technology, allowing consumers to visualise how clothing, accessories or makeup will look on them before making a purchase. While these innovations make content consumption more convenient, they also bring about concerns of data privacy and the potential manipulation of consumer behavior. As AI continues to refine personalisation, consumers may find themselves navigating an increasingly curated online landscape, where potentially their preferences and interests are anticipated before they can even discover them naturally. Societal Behaviors: The 'March Theory' in Relationships A trend gaining traction on social media platforms like TikTok is the 'March Theory,' which suggests that this month of the year is a make-or-break time for romantic relationships. On TikTok, content creators explain that the so-called “theory” is when “you either unexpectedly fall in love or an ex comes back,” or when couples who are meant to break up, end the relationship. Psychologists suggest that the seasonal shift triggers a psychological reset, prompting people to reevaluate their personal lives, including their romantic relationships. “By the time March comes, cuffing season is ending,” Taimi relationship and breakup expert Angelika Koch says, adding that single people are likely to stay in a relationship to “get through the colder months” for “comfort and companionship.” as warmer months approach — a time when “people naturally become more social and optimistic” — they are “ready to move on from relationships that no longer fulfill them.” Additionally, social media platforms amplify this theory, as users share their experiences, reinforcing the belief that March is a make-or-break month for love. Relationship experts note that while seasonal patterns do influence human emotions, true relationship dynamics are shaped by deeper compatibility and communication rather than the time of year. Nevertheless, the 'March Theory' remains a fascinating reflection of how the mind is affected seasonally and how potentially online trends influence real-world behaviors.

5 years ago in March was when the world took a turn. History was made. Economies flustering. March 15th 2020 was the day Covid-19 changed the world. As we enter the end of march, 5 years later, the world is embracing the transformation it had living in a post-covid world.  Not only did the virus destroy millions of peoples health , but additionally destroyed countries especially with the sudden change in mid March. With lower consumption, changes in working conditions, the world was left with confusion. Millions of students' graduations not being able to happen and many celebrations getting cancelled , and thousands of people being redundant, history was made.  However, 5 years later it's safe to say that the world overcame this, just like they have in the past. With remote learning and working becoming necessary, the markets had to adapt to changes and customer needs. Thousands of new apps and websites were being launched and the technology market increased every day. Even now, people are still doing this and AI is advancing faster than ever. Some people might say technology wouldn't have come this far if it wasn't for COVID-19 Adjusting to the changes in anything is not easy. Right now everyone is facing a lot of change, with that being sitting a first exam, choosing where to go to university or even just adapting to the new sunny weather. March is a bold month for change but like Covid 19, anyone can get through it.

Welcome to the St. Chris Current. My name is Hriday Kansal. I’m essentially the F1 guy - I have my own blog about Formula 1 ( f1ntastic.com ), I’m the STEM Racing Student Ambassador (formerly F1 in Schools), and I am now a STEM writer for the St. Chris Current. Today, let’s navigate the key changes that Formula 1 has faced coming into the 2025 season. The FIA, the governing body for F1 makes changes to the sport every year, and here are 5 key changes that may seem small, but can have major impacts on the pinnacle of motorsport.   Format Changes The end of the Fastest Lap point The famous Fastest Lap point was brought back to F1 in 2019. If a driver got the fastest lap and finished in the Top 10 of the race, they would earn an extra championship point. However, given the fact that championships can be won or lost by the barest of margins, the fastest lap point has been used to affect the outcomes of races. For example, drivers take an extra pitstop towards the end of a race so that they can get the fastest lap (if they can do that without losing track position). However, that isn’t the cause for concern. What was happening was that drivers outside the Top 10 would pit and take the fastest lap to prevent a driver in the Top 10 from getting that going (like when Daniel Ricciardo took the fastest lap from Lando Norris at the Singapore GP. Hence, the fastest lap point has been scrapped once again, eliminating the concerns and controversy surrounding it.  Rookies get more track time Since 2022, teams have had to let a rookie race at least once in each of their cars during Free Practice 1, meaning two FP1 sessions per team would be driven by a rookie. However, in 2025, that requirement has been doubled. That means over the course of the season, teams have to let rookies race each of their cars twice, meaning a total of 4 FP1 sessions for each team must be driven by an inexperienced driver. The drivers that qualify for this must have raced in no more than two F1 world championship races in their career. Last year, drivers like Ollie Bearman, Arthur Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli were among the drivers who participated in these FP1 sessions. Ollie Bearman and Kimi Antonelli are now full-time drivers in 2025, showing that these practice sessions can potentially help rookies secure seats in F1 in the future. New procedure for deciding the grid if qualifying is disrupted The 2024 Brazilian GP weekend was heavily disrupted by weather conditions that rendered the track unraceable at times. There was a possibility that qualifying would not take place. However, the procedure for setting the grid in case qualifying did not take place. Earlier, the Sporting Regulations stated that if qualifying could not take place, the stewards had the right to decide the grid order for the race based on the results of the most recent practice session. However, the Brazilian GP was a Sprint weekend; there had been a practice session on Friday morning, and a Sprint Qualifying session on Friday afternoon with completely different results, so it was unclear what the stewards would be able to use as the grid order for the actual Grand Prix in case the qualifying session did not take place. This year, the regulations have been cleared up. If qualifying cannot take place, the grid will be set based on the drivers’ championship standings. The FIA were aware of this loophole before the Brazilian GP and had announced this change before that race took place, but this change only came into effect this year.  Technical Changes Gearbox limit scrapped The engine of an F1 car, known as the power unit, is incredibly complex. Alongside the power unit is the gearbox. The components of the power unit and the gearbox wear out throughout the F1 season and need to be replaced. However, the FIA limits how many times these components are replaced each year. If a team replaces a component more than they are allowed to, then the driver faces a grid penalty. A grid penalty is when the driver has to start a set number of places (usually 10 places) lower than they qualified.  For using more than five gearboxes in a single season, a driver would face a 5-place grid penalty in 2024. However, in 2025, this limit has been scrapped. The reason power unit components and gearbox components were limited was to reduce costs for teams so that teams wouldn’t replace their engine components unnecessarily. However, the gearbox isn’t a major cost for teams. The grid penalty for excess gearbox changes was rather unnecessary, which is why it has been removed. This also allows engine manufacturers to improve gearbox performance and reliability.  Ruling out wing flexibility Those who followed the 2024 F1 season may be aware of the controversy surrounding McLaren’s rear wing. Their rear wing’s DRS flap was aeroelastic - this means that at high speeds, the rear wing flap would deform (bend) in a way that more air would pass through the wing, reducing drag and increasing straight-line speed when DRS was not enabled. McLaren and Mercedes’ front wings were also more aeroelastic than others, with Red Bull and Ferrari raising concerns to the FIA about the legality of these designs. In response, the FIA has clamped down on rear wing flexibility. The rear wing DRS flap is now only allowed to be in two positions - open and closed. There is no in-between and very limited flexibility allowed. Similar restrictions on the flexibility of the front wing are soon to be introduced - this will only come into effect at Round 9 (Spanish Grand Prix) as it is awaiting some approvals. These regulation changes are designed to ensure that the competition is fair and that teams don’t try to bend the rules with bendy wings.  What’s Next? We’re at the dawn of a new season with new faces, new rules, new cars, new challenges, but the same old euphoria. Nothing matches the feeling you get when a car roars down the track at 320kph. I can’t wait for this season of Formula 1 to begin, and I hope you’re excited for it too.  P.S. Speaking of new faces, while I was writing this article, Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed that Cadillac will race in Formula 1 from the 2026 Season onwards as Formula 1’s 11th team. Exciting news!

Law is often perceived as rigid and static, but history has proven that it is a living and dynamic force. Law is a response to society; a constantly evolving structure that reacts to cultural evolution, technological advancements, and moral progress. Today, we are witnessing unparalleled legal transformations that redefine justice, equality, and human rights. One of the fundamental shifts in today's law comes with the impact of technology. With the advent of artificial intelligence, digital contracts, and cyber law, traditional systems of law are being revolutionized. Courts today deal with cases that did not exist a decade ago, ranging from data protection to intellectual property rights in the metaverse. Additionally, the legal profession itself is transforming, with AI-driven legal research and virtual courts becoming more popular. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, 85% of legal professionals believe AI will revolutionize legal procedures by 2030.  The technological advancements in our world today necessitate a change in the mindset of lawyers and lawmakers to practice legislation in a digital era. Social justice movements have also played a crucial role in reforming the law. Rights related to gender equality, racial justice laws, and LGBTQ+ law have undergone profound transformations in recent years. The legalization of homosexual relations and legal accommodation of non-binary on official records are some of the ways the law has been moving in the direction of inclusivity. A 2023 UN report reported that over 65 countries have implemented gender-neutral legal recognition systems over the past decade. These legal reforms do not occur in isolation, though; they are the result of activism, advocacy, and judicial openness to reinterpret outdated statutes in accordance with contemporary human rights standards. International law is undergoing massive change as well. Climate agreements and transnational crimes have called for a perpetual revision of legislation. For example, environmental law has expanded from domestic policy to international accords. The Paris Agreement is a prime example, where over 195 countries agreed to enact various climate policies into their legislation. Similarly, international human rights law has also widened to include issues like digital privacy and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. This evolution is proof that legal systems must be dynamic in an effort to provide adequate solutions to transnational problems. As students of law and future legal professionals, we must not only acknowledge these transitions but actively engage with them. Law is not static it reflects and reports the world around us and each generation contributes to the the evolution of law. Hence it's essential to remember transformation in the law is not a portent of instability but instead a sign of progress. When we understand that law is in place to serve society, we can ensure that it adapts in ways that continue justice and equality. In our ever-changing changing world, the accommodation of legal transformation is not a choice but a necessity.

The German Election We’ve seen our fair share of change in the month of February in the world of politics — most prominently, in the highly anticipated German elections, the results of which were unveiled on Monday, the 24th of February. But before we look at the polls, what were the stakes? As has made major headlines recently, one of the biggest contenders was the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party led by Alice Weidel, which promised to bring about mass immigrant deportations; along with that was Germany’s current ruling party, the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, which had in fact led to a collapse of the coalition government earlier; finally, the other most notable candidate was the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led by Friedrich Merz, who had criticised recent US intervention in Germany leading up to the election. So… who won? [Source: Die Bundeswahlleiterin] With 28.6% of the preliminary votes came the CDU, with AfD coming in second at 20.8% and SPD at 16.4%. Merz has gone on to voice his plans for Germany, stating, “My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA.” It is important to note that the election results have also left AfD in a more powerful position than ever. As a result of the 2025 German elections results, we can expect big changes to come from Germany, specifically in regards to concerns about security, both domestic and international — yet, some argue that this will further lead to the rapid growth of far-right ideology currently permeating throughout Europe (and by extent, the USA) as global tensions only continue to rise. The Luddites But what about those who fought vehemently against change? A poignant example of this can be traced back to over 200, to a group of people called the Luddites. While most people know Luddites as those who oppose technological progress, only few are familiar with their origins.  The Luddites emerged in 1811 from British working families during a time of economic crisis and mass unemployment in the midst of the Napoleonic Wars. In Nottingham, inside of a textile manufacturing centre, hoards of protesters who had been demanding more work and higher wages destroyed textile machinery. From the North of England to the South, more machinery was smashed in nightly occurrences, and fearing that this would only go on, soldiers were deployed to defend factories and Parliament passed a measure to make machine-breaking a capital offense.  While Luddites, even decades after the initial protests, were seen as those in support of regression, in reality, as can be seen from the collection Writings of the Luddites , what most of them wanted in the first place was fair pay for fair work, and to not get replaced by machines.  Modern Luddites still exist today in different shapes and forms. For example, in recent social media trends, people have begun more commonly using flip-phones when going out instead of bringing their smart-phones. In work spaces, those who have gotten fired and replaced by generative AI may share the same sentiment that the Luddites had. Those who have become tired of the seemingly endless amount of streaming services have taken to purchasing physical items of the media they love, such as DVDs or cassettes.  So the next time you feel yourself getting disillusioned with technology, think of the Luddites.  P.S. In case you were wondering where the word “Luddite” came from, it was named after a protester called Ned Ludd who, as it turns out, was completely fictional.

Human beings are entering a new, uncharted era for humanity in which powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbot systems are becoming increasingly prevalent. The use of AI in the legal field has significantly increased over the past few years and its impact must not be understated. This essay will understand AI as the use of algorithms and machine learning to carry out tasks typically carried out by humans. In the hiring context, AI and automation help with resume screening, using tools like ATS software. An ATS is a software that helps companies manage the recruitment process. ATS does this by collecting resumes, ranking candidates, and filtering out resumes. Moreover, workplace management includes the use of AI to manage tasks like performance monitoring and scheduling. While talking about regulating AI, there are a few important questions to consider - companies train AI on previous candidates they have employed to predict employability. Thus, if a company has been known to hire or predominantly leave out a minority group, the AI will consider this and make similar decisions, opposing the employment rights bill passed by the UK on the 17th of July, particularly the clause on ‘the law on unfair dismissal’ (Skillcast, 2023).  The integration of AI must also be balanced out with the potentially disastrous impact on the workforce. Regarding workplace management practices, the incorporation of AI also raises important legal and ethical concerns.  Currently, the UK does not plan to introduce broad, overarching AI regulations which are known as ‘horizontal regulation’. Instead, the UK works on a principle-based framework, where existing regulators in specific sectors, such as healthcare or finance, will oversee the use of AI in those specific areas. On July 17, 2024, the government proposed a new measure for developers of AI models, signaling a departure from the earlier flexible approach. A ‘digital information and smart data bill’ was announced, aiming to reform data laws to support safe AI development (White & Case, 2024). Therefore, despite the UK having some regulation towards AI, it is quite broad and does not specifically apply to the use of AI in hiring and workplace management. Thus, employment law in the UK must evolve and incorporate regulation in hiring and workplace management.  Integrating AI and automation in hiring and workplace management has changed the employment law sector and companies increasingly use AI for hiring. Companies train the AI on previous candidates to predict potential candidates' employability. AI algorithms are set up to convert input data into output judgments and are trained to replicate human employment practices.  However, when employers use AI they assume that it is objective and therefore can manage hiring free from biases affecting human judgment so companies can improve the selection of employees they hire. According to this, it may seem logical to conclude that the risk of discrimination and unreasonable rejection is less when using AI, but this has not been the case. A prime example of the consequences of this can be illustrated by the multinational company, Amazon. Amazon has not only actively been using AI to recruit employees, but has already faced legal problems because of it. Amazon’s algorithm was found to be hiring exclusively men, which resulted in the case coming to lawsuits, and eventually, the company had to stop using AI to hire employees (Matheson, 2023). At a personal level, many U.S. adults say they would not want to apply for a job with an employer that used AI to help make hiring decisions. 66% say they would not want to apply for a job under those circumstances, compared with 32% who say they would want to apply, because of the fear of AI not seeing the candidates' potential (Rainie et al.).  Employment law therefore must enforce requirements that AI used for hiring is regularly checked for bias and enforce diversity standards. Employment law should include that decisions made by AI in the hiring process are checked and monitored by professionals to make sure that discriminatory decisions are not made. If such decisions are made, employment law should enforce penalties and punishments to companies allowing them to be made. The UK's ‘Discriminatory and Equality Act of 2010’ (GOV) could be revised to include bias and prejudicial decisions made by AI.  In addition, the rapid advancement of AI and automation can replace certain jobs in the workplace. While AI can enhance productivity, possibly making it easier for employees, it can also come across as a threat to job security. 61% of large US firms plan to use AI within the next year to automate tasks previously done by employees (CNN, 2024). Therefore, employment law must evolve to tackle these challenges in the workplace efficiently. A big challenge is to balance the increases in efficiency that AI provides with the potential impact on the workforce. Laws could enforce that companies need to put in place rules that reskill their employees to work alongside AI rather than be replaced by it. Moreover, employment laws could establish guidelines for ‘responsible automation’ where companies are required to assess and test out the AI before actually implementing it in the workplace, and see if it merely helps people complete their job or does the job for them. Such assessments would evaluate the potential impact on workers and provide strategies for mitigating negative effects, such as offering alternative roles within the company. By protecting workers’ rights to fair employment opportunities, employment law can ensure that workers don’t lose their jobs and AI does not become a threat to job security.  AI algorithms can also be complex and lack transparency, which makes it increasingly difficult for employees to understand how decisions are made. When an AI system makes a decision, it is hard to pin the blame on someone for making the decision. This lack of transparency can reduce trust and accountability in hiring and management processes. For example, candidates may be rejected without knowing which factors influenced the decision, creating a sense of unfairness and inequity (Chapter Eleven: Challenges in Using AI from Artificial Intelligence and National Security on JSTOR). To address this issue, employment law should enforce requirements for AI systems to explain why they chose to accept or deny the candidate. Employers should be required to disclose when AI is used in the hiring process and provide candidates with explanations of how decisions are made. This transparency can extend to providing unsuccessful candidates with feedback based on objective criteria, helping them understand and improve their profiles. Employment law could also require that companies keep records of AI decisions and make this information accessible if someone claims that they were prejudiced or discriminated against (Goodman & Flaxman, 2017). AI systems must be transparent to ensure trustworthiness and fairness for candidates. Employment law should mandate that despite AI being used for hiring, employers should still be involved in the hiring process and be able to justify the reason why candidates were accepted or denied. In addition, when it comes to workplace management, employment law can play a huge role. Previously, most companies had a simple and basic way of managing payrolls which involved tedious and meticulous tasks to be done by employees. Not only did this make the chance for errors high, but this required a lot of physical effort for employees. It meant some companies would even have to hire more people to get this done. Thus, the introduction of AI when it comes to workplace management issues such as these is a rapid advancement, allowing companies to be more cost-effective and productive. Payroll automation uses technology to streamline and manage an organisation's payment processes. Companies use software that essentially handles everything from calculating wages to tax deductions (KPMG, 2023). However, the issues that arise when solely using softwares such as this is that AI systems may miscalculate minimum wage laws or other important labor standards. Companies may be so reliant on AI that they rarely check if payrolls are being processed according to how they should be. Thus, employment law should mandate regular checks of AI systems to ensure accurate calculations of wages and benefits. Employment law should mandate a system that requires employers to verify that AI systems comply with local and national labor laws.  To conclude, AI has changed the legal landscape and brought about many changes, which have included both opportunities and challenges. Despite some people thinking that AI would be a less prejudiced way, AI is trained on previous data and therefore ATS softwares often replicates this in hiring, creating discriminatory hiring practices. Thus, employment law should evolve to reduce these biases and certify that all candidates are being given an equal opportunity. In addition, the increase in efficiency posed by AI should be balanced by reskilling and training workers. Laws should enforce that companies need to put in place rules that reskill their employees to work alongside AI rather than be replaced by it. Moreover, the lack of transparency in AI should be combatted by companies keeping records of decisions made by AI. AI should be used as a tool to assist employees, but not be a separate entity in itself being trusted to make decisions on behalf of the company. Thus, employment law must evolve to establish fairness, accountability and inclusivity in hiring and workplace management.

AI and automation are revolutionizing business by enhancing efficiency, decision-making, and customer engagement. Companies use AI in marketing, customer service, and supply chain management to automate routine tasks, analyze large data sets, and predict customer needs. This improves productivity, increases profits, and drives innovation. Industries such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail are experiencing significant AI-driven transformations. In healthcare, AI improves diagnosis accuracy through medical imaging analysis. In finance, AI automates credit scoring for faster, more reliable assessments. In manufacturing, AI optimizes production lines and supply chains, reducing errors and costs. Retail businesses use AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to enhance customer interactions, satisfaction, and sales. AI refers to computer systems capable of learning, recognizing patterns, analyzing data, and making decisions with minimal human input. Technologies like machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing help businesses gain insights, streamline operations, and improve strategies. By handling repetitive tasks, AI allows human workers to focus on creativity and strategic innovation. Automated systems improve workflows, detect inefficiencies, and reduce manual errors. Robotic process automation accelerates document processing, while AI-powered recommendation engines personalize e- commerce experiences. While AI may replace some jobs, it will also create new roles, such as AI ethicists, data scientists, and robot coordinators. Human skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving will remain essential. Responsible AI development will ensure businesses harness its potential while maintaining ethical oversight. The future of AI is about collaboration between technology and human expertise, driving progress across industries. Even though AI creates many new job opportunities, it can lead to job displacement, particularly in industries which rely heavily on routine and repetitive tasks in which robots can perform. However, there will still be a significant amount of job displacement in certain industries. This also varies by region and industry. For example, the manufacturing industries are expected to see significant job displacement as a result of AI while the healthcare or education industries expect to see significant job growth. Because AI involves the automation of repetitive tasks and causing job displacement, this may benefit employees as it frees them up to focus on more complex and creative work, but it may also create concerns about jobdisplacement and changes in the demand for certain types of jobs. Some of the new job opportunities AI creates are for opportunities in data analytics, machine learning, and AI development. Privacy and security are also major concerns regarding the impact of AI on the workforce. As AI becomes more advanced, it is important to ensure that personal data is protected, and AI systems are secure against cyberattacks. This shift also causes job roles to become obsolete while new ones emerge. For example, manufacturing workers need to acquire new skills to operate and maintain new machines and robots which now take over manual tasks. As AI continues to transform the job market and employment landscape, individuals need to adapt to stay relevant and competitive in their careers in order to adapt to the changes of technology in the workplace.

A key purpose of the public sector is to provide goods and services to improve social welfare and economic prosperity. However, it is often criticized for being slow and inefficient. As a result, individuals and firms often put pressure on the government to acknowledge and address these inefficiencies. However, in spite of these predetermined beliefs, there can be changes made. This essay will delve into the various strategies that can be implemented in order to enhance the policymakers decision making processes along with their budget allocation to improve the public sector. There are several systemic barriers that serve as a disadvantage to the public sector. An example is complex hierarchies. When rigid hierarchical structures are set in place, they delay the decision making process. This is due to outworn processes that make it difficult for agencies to respond to economical issues swiftly. Additionally, resource constraints on budgets or staff impact the quality of the output brought on by the new policies. Finally, government agencies’ failure to capitalize on technological advances intensifies inefficiencies. Due to a lack of investment in advanced technology, decision making becomes a painstaking process where governments incorporate irrelevant information due to the absence of data analytics and automated systems, producing inefficient responses that contribute to the tainted image of the public sector. Enhancing the decisions making process  To enhance their decision making processes, policymakers must employ data driven decision making. This allows them to make well-informed and effective decisions. An amalgamation of data and analytics grants policymakers the ability to equip themselves with a vast amount of information regarding patterns in their economy and they can optimize resource allocation. Data can improve resource allocation by allowing governments to identify weaknesses where public services and finances are needed. This reduces waste that could be created by helping industries that don't need it. By utilizing data tools, policymakers can enhance this process by responding to problems timely which in the long run result in efficient services provided.  Crowdsourcing is another effective way to make decisions. Utilizing their resources to conduct mass surveys can gather valuable feedback from people who experience the inefficiencies of the public sector firsthand, allowing policymakers to produce policies that align with groups of specific needs. By being proactive and involved with the citizens' needs, the policymakers grasp issues which allow their solutions to be widely supported as well. Moreover, social transparency in conjunction with improved analytics allows panoramic understanding of issues resulting in efficient decision making that prioritizes the public's concerns.  Collaboration between sectors can drive innovation in decision making. By utilizing a diverse amount of resources from different sectors, governments can address issues effectively. Creating public-private partnerships arms the government with capital and technology producing innovations concerning infrastructure, transportation etc. effectively. Collaborations can be made with non profit organisations to enhance decision making regarding social issues that concern the public sector. This is due to the newfound expertise allowing governments to produce policies that account for vulnerable populations. Improving budget allocation  To improve budget allocation, governments can use priority based budgeting. This allows policymakers to improve their budget allocation since it would align with up and coming needs. This technique involves the government identifying and prioritising the censorious and influential issues to be addressed. Policymakers have to determine which areas of the public sector are in dire need of funding. They assess areas such as infrastructure, education etc. Focusing resources like this on priority regions ensures that the government's resources are allocated effectively. This eliminates wasteful spending since they maximize utility by funding areas that have the most impact socially. Activity based budgeting allows effective budget allocation as it breaks down the budget to individual components that are required to carry out public activities. This results in the policy makers acquiring a comprehensive understanding of where resources are applied and how effectively those resources contribute to increased efficiency. If there are inefficiencies, now that they are identified policymakers can reduce costs at those points without sacrificing quality of services. Now that they have extra budget this approach allows policymakers to fund the most cost effective areas enabling their budget to be allocated more strategically. Furthermore, linking budget to outcomes orients budget allocations to the achievements made by the policies they are applied to which proves that public funds are being spent in the best way possible.  Finally, the budget can also be allocated using the decision making tactics mentioned previously. Data driven budgeting allows policymakers to allocate budgets using data analytics. By analyzing trends and current department performances, policymakers can make better informed decisions on where to allocate funds.  Public- private partnerships allow policymakers to gain resources from the private sector. These resources include expertise, innovation, capital etc. Governments can engage with the private sector companies that fund and design solutions. This reduces the financial and capital strain on the government, allowing projects to be completed with quality, efficiency, and lower costs per unit.  Similar to crowdsourcing, participatory budgeting involves communities in the decision making process. This can improve budget allocation, as involving citizen viewpoints sanctions a reflection of the current public needs within the budget. Citizens themselves will be able to direct resources to specific aspects of their lives and improve their standards of living, such as housing, healthcare, etc. However, participatory budgeting would be much more difficult in larger communities, and may not be as effective. Conclusion In conclusion, in spite of the several systemic barriers in place that hold the public sector back, there are a plethora of ways to break those barriers that go beyond this essay and should be used in order to promote both economic prosperity and social welfare. By addressing these barriers, we can create a more responsive and efficient public sector. In the long run, these innovations provide policymakers with the tools they need to enhance the public sector.