Artificial Intelligence and Liability: Who is Responsible?

Abstract

This paper explores the complex interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and legal liability, addressing the pressing question of accountability for AI-driven actions. As AI technologies evolve rapidly, traditional legal frameworks struggle to keep pace with the implications of autonomous systems. The study begins by examining the historical development of AI, highlighting its applications from early expert systems to modern machine learning. It then outlines existing legal frameworks related to liability, including product and negligence liability, while discussing the challenges posed by the autonomous nature of AI. Ethical considerations in AI development are emphasized, focusing on the responsibility of developers to ensure safety, transparency, and fairness. The paper also presents case studies illustrating potential liability scenarios, such as incidents involving autonomous vehicles and AI-driven medical systems. These examples underscore the need for updated legislation that addresses the unique challenges posed by AI. Ultimately, the paper calls for a multi-stakeholder approach to develop comprehensive legal and ethical guidelines that ensure accountability in AI deployment, advocating for ongoing interdisciplinary dialogue among technologists, legal experts, and ethicists to navigate the evolving landscape of AI liability.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Liability, Legal frameworks, Accountability, Ethical considerations, Autonomous systems, Product liability, Multi-stakeholder approach