VIT AP School of Law, In Collaboration with Indian Society of International Law, Two-Day International Conference on “Private International Law in the Era of New Emerging Technologies: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward” [24th – 25th April 2026]

About VIT-AP

VIT-AP University was established in 2017 by the Andhra Pradesh Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2016. VIT-AP University is the first private university established in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The vision of VIT-AP University is to transform higher education and contribute to improving life by applying knowledge. The university’s mission is to “improve the world through transformative education and impactful research by fostering intellectual, empowered, accountable and caring workforce; producing outstanding graduates who are knowledgeable, creative and compassionate; and impacting industry and society through innovative and collaborative work.

Based on the vision and mission of the VIT-AP University, the VIT-AP School of Law (VSL) was established to impart the legal education. VSL is recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and offers BBA LL. B (Hons) and BA, LL. B (Hons), and Ph. D degree courses in Law. VSL is determined to provide quality legal education and to train global legal professionals in India. It strives to establish itself as a top global law school to prepare students for future legal challenges. Hon’ble J.K Maheswari, the then Chief Justice of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, inaugurated VSL in September 2020. Since then, the law school has actively engaged in creating a dialogue on several contemporary aspects. VSL has organized national and international events, including a few national conferences on Public Health and COVID-19, the International Conference on Climate Change and Environmental Protection, the Conference on Protection of Refugees and migrant workers, a workshop on legal pluralism, a workshop on Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms and one-day lectures on Competition Law. These events are organized in collaboration with prestigious national and international organizations such as Competition Commission of India, Controller of Patent and Trade Marks, UN High Commission on Refugees, Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Utrecht University Netherlands.

About Indian Society of International Law

The Indian Society of International Law (ISIL or Society), a premier national institution for teaching, research and promotion of international law, was established in 1959, primarily due to the efforts of the late V.K. Krishna Menon. It has indeed been a long and fulfilling journey for the ISIL that it has earned a pride of place among the community of international lawyers throughout the world. In six decades of its existence, the ISIL, under the dynamic leadership and guidance of distinguished persons, has grown into a prestigious research and teaching center of international law in India. In its endeavour to disseminate international law, the ISIL has traditionally received the whole-hearted support and cooperation from the various Ministries, particularly External Affairs, Finance, and Environment and Forests, of the Government of India.

About the Conference

The rapid advancement of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cryptocurrency, the metaverse, and big data has significantly altered the global legal landscape, demanding a reassessment of existing regulatory frameworks. These technologies operate across borders, creating complex legal challenges that test the core principles of Private International Law. The decentralized and cross-border nature of digital transactions has disrupted traditional jurisdictional boundaries, leading to serious legal uncertainties. Courts and arbitral bodies now face increasing difficulties in resolving disputes involving AI-driven contracts, blockchain-based transactions, and decentralized finance (DeFi) systems. Determining applicable laws and jurisdiction in these cases is highly contentious, with the absence of a uniform global approach making the situation even more challenging. This lack of legal consistency is particularly evident in cryptocurrency regulations, where national policies vary widely, creating uncertainty for businesses and individuals engaged in digital transactions.

AI-driven decision-making has further complicated the legal landscape, raising critical concerns about liability, the enforceability of algorithmic contracts, and the recognition of AI-generated content under existing intellectual property laws. Similarly, the metaverse, a digital environment enabling virtual interactions across jurisdictions, presents new regulatory challenges related to digital assets, legal accountability, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Data protection and privacy laws pose another significant challenge for Private International Law. The conflicting regulatory frameworks of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the United States’ sector-specific laws, and India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act create legal barriers for cross-border data transfers. This fragmentation complicates the enforcement of foreign judgments, especially in cases involving multinational technology companies operating across multiple legal systems.

The growing reliance on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as AI-assisted arbitration and online dispute resolution (ODR) raises concerns about due process, fairness, and the enforceability of AI-generated decisions. Without established global standards for resolving technology-related disputes, there is an urgent need for coordinated legal reforms and harmonized legal instruments. In response to these emerging challenges, Private International Law must adapt to address the legal uncertainties posed by new technologies. A strong international legal framework is essential to ensure legal clarity, enable the enforcement of digital rights, and uphold justice in the digital age. This requires proactive legal scholarship, policy reforms, and greater international cooperation to bridge the gap between technological advancements and traditional legal principles.

Objectives of the Conference

The Conference aims to bring together legal experts, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and other stakeholders to engage in discussions on the following key objectives:

• To analyze the jurisdictional and conflict of laws issues arising from digital transactions.

• To explore the impact of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and smart contracts on private international law.

• To examine the legal implications of AI, big data, and the metaverse in cross-border disputes.

• To discuss the challenges in recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in the digital era.

• To assess the role of international treaties, model laws, and arbitration mechanisms in resolving transnational technology disputes.

Key Sessions and Thematic Discussions

Session 1: Jurisdiction and Conflict of Laws in the Digital Age

• Challenges in determining jurisdiction for AI-driven contracts, blockchain transactions, and cross-border e-commerce.

• The impact of decentralization and anonymity in digital transactions on conflict of laws.

• The extraterritorial reach of national regulations (e.g., GDPR, DPDP Act) and their implications for Private International Law.

Session II: Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Technology-Driven Disputes

• Legal complexities in enforcing smart contracts and AI-generated agreements across jurisdictions.

• Cross-border enforcement of cryptocurrency regulations and virtual asset transactions.

• The role of international arbitration and online dispute resolution (ODR) in addressing transnational technology disputes.

Session III: Data Protection, Digital Sovereignty, and Privacy in a Globalized World

• The divergence of global data protection laws and their implications for transnational litigation.

• Challenges in cross-border data transfers and compliance with multi-jurisdictional privacy laws.

• The impact of government surveillance, data localization mandates, and digital sovereignty on Private International Law.

Session IV: Emerging Technologies and the Future of Private International Law

• The influence of AI, the metaverse, and blockchain on the evolution of legal doctrines in Private International Law.

• The need for international legal harmonization to address digital economy disputes.

• Ethical and policy considerations in regulating AI-driven dispute resolution and algorithmic governance.

NOTE: The sub-themes are only suggestive areas and are not exhaustive. Research papers that are not covered under the abovementioned sub-themes but have relevance in the thrust area of the conference may also be submitted.

Call for Papers

We invite original research papers from academicians, professionals, practitioners, researchers, students of law and allied social sciences, and other stakeholders on emerging issues and related areas on the broad sub-themes given above.

Submission Guidelines: For Abstract

The abstract should not exceed 250 words (inclusive of 4-5 keywords) and must be accompanied by a brief bio-note (in 60 words) of the author indicating his/her email ID, contact number, designation, and official address.

The abstract should be in the following format:

• Times New Roman, Font Size 12 & Line spacing 1.5, justified.

• 1-inch margins on all four sides.

• Submissions are to be made in PDF format only.

The abstract must identify a research gap, research problem, Methodology and the objectives clearly to be discussed by the author in the full paper/Extended Abstract, and the particular theme of the conference associated with the paper.

Please name your abstract file as follows: Full Name_Abstract e.g., if the author’s name is Adam Doe, then the file name should be Adam Doe_Abstract. The abstracts can be submitted to Abstract Submission Link

Submission Guidelines: For Full Paper/Extended Abstract

• Selected abstracts shall be intimated separately along with a link for full paper submissions and payment of the registration fee.

• The word limit for a full research paper along with an abstract is 3000-5000 words (excluding footnotes), which must be submitted in MS Word format.

Font

• Times New Roman, Font Size: 12, Line spacing: 1.5, A4 size paper with 1” margin on all sides.

• For citation, the author is required to follow the APA Formatting and Citation (7th Ed.) for references, and Bluebook 21st Edition for the footnotes.

• The final paper should mandatorily have the suggestions/recommendations made by the author(s).

• The language of submissions should be only in English.

For Publication of Papers

• Selected research papers may be published in an edited book by a reputable publisher (Taylor and Francis/Thomson Reuters) with an ISBN or Best 20 Papers will be published in a SCOPUS-indexed journal under an MoU with additional payment, which will be communicated later to the concerned Authors.

• The authors willing to consider their paper for publication must submit a duly filled-in and scanned ‘Declaration of Responsibility & Assignment of Copyright Form’ to be provided with the communication of acceptance of the paper.

• The submitted papers shall be checked through similarity software approved by the University.

• Any paper exceeding 10 % similarity and AI content above 5% shall be outrightly rejected.

• The submitted papers shall go through a blindfolded peer review process before selection for publication as per the University and the Publishing House Policies.

• Selection for paper presentation does not entitle publication in the book or Scopus publication.

Important Deadlines

• Submission of abstract: 10th March 2026

• Intimation of abstract acceptance: 15th March 2026

• Registration Deadline: 15th April 2026

• Submission of full paper/Extended Abstract: 20th April 2026

• Date of Conference: 24th and 25th April, 2026

How to Register?

Interested participants can register using the following link.

https://events.vitap.ac.in/e/private-international-law-in-the-era-of-new-emerging-technologies-issues-challenges-and-the-way-forward-605cd0a9-209d-4e57-95e3-00efa4f0e32f

Registration Fees

• Academicians and Professionals: Rs 1500/-

• Research Scholars: Rs 800/-

• Students: Rs 500/-

• For participation without presentation: Rs 300/-

Rewards

1. Best Paper Award with Cash Prize along with one-year complimentary subscriptions to SCC Online Web Edition, each worth Rs. 32,000 for three participants.

2. One month access to the SCC Online Web Edition to all participants, valued at Rs. 3100 each for all Paper Presenters.

Note

1. Co-authorship up to a maximum of four authors is allowed. In case co-authors from different heads mentioned above respective registration fees shall be paid individually. Registration fee is payable only after the acceptance of the abstract.

2. The registration fee does not include accommodation, except for the Breakfast, Lunch and the High Tea provided during the conference. (Only those who are attending physically)

3. Accommodation on campus is available on a first-come, first-served basis for participants, subject to payment. Meals will be provided separately at prevailing mess rates. Early registration is encouraged to secure your stay.

Conference Chair

Prof. (Dr) Benarji Chakka

Dean VIT-AP School of Law, VIT AP Amaravati

Prof. (Dr) U.C Jha

Secretary General

Indian Society of International Law

Conference Co- Chair

Dr Bensha C Shaji

Assistant Professor, VIT-AP School of Law

Dr Kanika Sharma

Assistant Professor, Indian Society of International Law

Conference Convener

Dr Ananthu S Hari

Assistant Dean, VIT-AP School of Law

Conference Committee

Prof. Nidhi Nair

Prof. Chitti Amrita Gulshan

Student Coordinators

1. Ms Lakshmy E

2. Ms C. Estheru Rani

3. Ms Poornima Rajeev

4. Mr Itihas Kovi

5. Mr Alla Pavan Sai

6. Ms Srilekha

7. Ms Haristh Karthik

8. Ms Jagannadham Madhulika

9. Mr Druveen Amrarendra

10. Ms Dutta Chandra Varshini

11. Mr Venkata NagaSai Teja

12. Mr Abijeeth S

13. Ms. C. Devayani

14. Ms Rajashree

Contact:

1. Ms Lakshmy E: +91 96337 44489

2. Ms Poornima Rajeev: +91 90481 51275

3. Ms Rajashree: +91 9398133688