Artificial Intelligence and Civil Liability: Juridical Prospects and Legal Challenges

Abstract

The benefits to individuals from the implementation and use of robots and other artificial intelligence applications are widely known. However, although the use of intelligent robots is not yet fully widespread, it is possible to anticipate that the introduction of these robots into society will present numerous moral, ethical and legal challenges. Currently, robots are considered products and they fall under Council Directive 85/374/EEC of 25 July 1985 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning liability for defective products. The European Union itself has expressed skepticism regarding the applicability of this directive to civil liability for damages that these autonomous and intelligent robotic systems may cause. The aim of this article is to identify and analyze what these challenges may be.