In Focus: Khoren Nasibyan on Innovations and Risks in Technology, Media & Telecommunications sector
The pdf version of the interview is available below:
1. Tell us about your professional journey and how you came to specialize in telecommunications, media, and technology.
I began my professional career in the field of legislation while still a student. In the following years, I held positions as a lawyer in retail and banking, as well as in managerial roles in the mining industry. For 10 years, I worked in the telecommunications sector, holding various leading positions in the legal department of one of the leading telecom operators.
In addition to my professional experience, I actively participated in educational events and programs, including long-term extension courses, training sessions, and seminars in information technology, blockchain regulation, and telecommunications.
2. What are the key areas within the TMT sector that are crucial for your practice today?
It is no secret that in recent years, due to a number of global and regional factors that have impacted Armenia, the vectors of development in the TMT sector have changed to some extent. Currently, the key areas of our practice include: regulation and compliance in telecommunications and data protection, content rights protection, software, cybersecurity, and the development of strategies for data protection, as well as supporting new technologies and startups with their legal issues.
3. What are the main legal challenges facing companies in the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors today?
The main legal challenges that companies in the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors face today are primarily related to the necessity of complying with legislation that, in addition to local regulations, may also require adherence to international norms, including data protection and privacy rules (e.g., GDPR). It is also essential to monitor regulations concerning innovations related to new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, as the need for regulation in these areas will inevitably become a necessity for the local market. Additionally, one must not forget the risks associated with violations of antitrust laws and unfair competition. These challenges demand flexibility and readiness from companies to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and legislative environments.
4. How do you assess the impact of digitalization and the development of artificial intelligence on regulation in the TMT sector?
Digitalization and the development of AI significantly impact regulation in the TMT sector. It is essential to first address the challenges we face due to the advancement and increasing implementation of digitalization and AI.
Among these challenges, the foremost is the need for timely updates to legislation. Current regulations often do not account for the specifics of new technologies. This requires the development of new rules that can effectively regulate the use of AI and digital platforms.
It's also worth talking about data protection and privacy, as the increasing volume of processed data necessitates strict compliance with norms regarding personal information protection.
Another important point is related to content responsibility and the need to adhere to certain ethical standards applicable in society. The development of AI raises questions about who is responsible for generated content, especially when AI creates information or makes decisions without human intervention, raising issues of ethics and fairness that require the introduction of new standards and principles for their use. Thus, digitalization and AI require regulators to adopt a flexible and proactive approach to ensure the safe and fair development of the TMT sector.
5. How are the requirements for data protection and cybersecurity changing, and how can companies prepare for them?
Requirements for data protection and cybersecurity are becoming stricter in light of growing threats and new regulations. Key changes involve tightening norms, particularly regarding user consent and liability for breaches, which have also become increasingly common lately. To prepare for these requirements, companies need to develop and implement data protection policies, conduct regular training sessions for employees, and, importantly, invest in modern cybersecurity technologies. Such a comprehensive approach will help minimize risks and ensure compliance with new requirements.
6. How does your team help clients reduce risks in a rapidly growing and technologically complex sector?
Our team helps clients reduce risks by applying a comprehensive approach that includes legal audits, compliance consulting to adapt to new requirements in data protection, cybersecurity, and intellectual property, developing and implementing regulatory policies, as well as training personnel.
7. Can you provide an example of a complex project where your team provided significant legal support?
Given that most projects in the TMT sector are confidential, we cannot list all the significant projects in which we have been directly involved. However, it is worth noting that among the projects we have carried out in recent years, there are several noteworthy ones. In particular, this includes telecom and IT projects where we provided comprehensive support in multi-stage processes.
8. How does GRATA International differ from competitors in providing legal support to TMT companies?
First and foremost, we differ from competitors through the experience gained in institutional companies within the industry. Additionally, GRATA International's international presence in 24 countries enables us to easily undertake cross-border projects, along with innovations that are consistently implemented to optimize legal projects.
