The key is data protection and ensuring the correct results are produced in every instance. Currently, as a notary public, I do not use AI to hold or manage your data. I have used Chat-GTP and Co-Pilot mainly for image generation in the past, but I have wanted to expand my knowledge and understand the capabilities, restrictions and pitfalls the use of AI can have. To do this, I have started a training programme run by Pair in conjunction with the Wirral Chamber of Commerce. If you are interested in the use of AI, I would recommend it and you are not required to be a member of the Chamber to utilise.
Using the skills the programme taught, I gave Co-Pilot the following prompt to draft an article to share with you today. Below is the resulting article. You can read how it highlights the important aspects of notarial practice and data protection. It doesn’t cover the specifics as I requested a shorter version for this purpose, but it is fully referenced and has collated the answer correctly. It is not in the style I normally produce, and is typical of an AI generated reply, however, the tone is suitable.
To summarise, AI is fine as an aid, but it should not replace a human! The results all need to be checked, but in exercises such as this, it can reduce typing time.
Prompt:
draft a blog article that will be published on www.elaineclaytonnotary.co.uk. The readers will be both new to notarial practice and returning customers. keep the tone of the article in keeping with the blogs and articles contained within the knowledgebase section of the website. the subject matter is to be the use of AI in notarial practice within England and Wales. Look to the guidance available on reputable sites such as the Faculty Office, The Notaries Society and websites of leading authors in the legal sector of England and Wales. Look at the benefits that AI can bring as well as the downsides, draw a conclusion and allow the reader to understand clearly how their data will be used if a notary utilises AI within their practice.
Reply:
Here is a concise, reader‑friendly version of the article, still aligned with the tone used on Elaine Clayton Notary Public and maintaining clear, accurate citations.
AI in Notarial Practice: What Clients Should Know
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly visible across the legal sector, including within notarial practice. This short guide explains what AI can—and cannot—do, how it might assist your notary, and how your data is protected.
How AI Is Being Used
Across the legal profession, AI is recognised for improving efficiency and helping firms meet client expectations. The Law Society highlights that generative AI can support document review, summarisation and administrative work, while also presenting new risks that must be carefully managed. [lawsociety.org.uk]
Judicial guidance also stresses that confidential information must never be placed into public AI tools, as they are not secure and may expose sensitive data. [judiciary.uk]
Benefits for Notarial Work
Document checks: AI tools can help flag missing signatures or inconsistencies, offering an extra layer of accuracy in document preparation. [calnotaries.org]
Fraud detection: With the rise of sophisticated forgeries and deepfakes, AI can assist in identifying unusual patterns or anomalies during identity checks, supporting fraud prevention efforts. [notarypubl…stamps.com]
Administrative support: AI can streamline scheduling, record‑keeping and routine drafting, helping notaries manage workloads more efficiently without affecting the human oversight required for every notarial act. [closewise.com]
The Limitations and Risks
Despite its capabilities, AI cannot replace a notary’s professional judgment. Assessing identity, willingness and understanding remains a human responsibility, and no AI tool can reliably make these determinations. [notarypubl…stamps.com]
AI systems can also produce incorrect or misleading results if not used carefully, which is why all outputs must be checked by the notary. Judicial guidance warns explicitly about the risks of “hallucinations” and inaccuracies in AI tools. [judiciary.uk]
How Your Data Is Protected
If AI is used within a notarial practice, clients can expect:
- No confidential information is entered into public AI tools, in line with judicial guidance and the notary’s regulatory duties around confidentiality. [judiciary.uk], [facultyoffice.org.uk]
- AI tools are used only for supportive tasks, such as document consistency checks or secure identity verification, always under human supervision. [notarypubl…stamps.com]
- Full compliance with UK data protection law, including new provisions under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, which requires transparency and meaningful human oversight whenever AI is involved in processing personal data. [clarkslegal.com]
In Summary
AI can enhance accuracy, security and efficiency, but it does not replace the role of a qualified notary. Every notarial act remains personally reviewed and certified by the notary, in full compliance with the Faculty Office’s regulations and UK data‑protection law.
If you ever wish to understand how your data is handled—or the role AI may play—you are always welcome to ask.