Comparative Torts - Liability for AI: BACL Annual webinar

Artificial intelligence (AI) will fundamentally alter the way we live, work and interact with each other, and tort law has an essential regulatory role to play in the deployment of AI systems. Legal scholars and policymakers across jurisdictions have considered a wide array of solutions to cover possible compensation gaps for damage caused by AI-systems, from the extension of current doctrines (agency relationship, non-delegable duties, liability for damage caused by animals, the adaptation of product liability) to bolder approaches (the creation of an electronic personhood or of new civil liability regimes). A few solutions are entirely stepping away from tort law (new compensation scheme). What place, then, should distinct legal systems give to these solutions, and what factors should be considered in developing solutions to possible compensation gaps?

The speakers consider the existing (tortious) liability regimes applicable to damage caused by AI-systems within and outside the European Union; they discuss current approaches to reforming tort law in light of the challenges presented by the regulation of AI-systems. Insights into the policy objectives and the driving factors behind the different ways of regulating AI-systems highlight techniques and factors of legal development, followed by a Q&A.

Chair: Professor TT Arvind (York University)

Speakers:

- Professor Bernhard Koch (University of Innsbruck)
- Professor Ugo Pagallo (University of Turin)
- Professor Simon Chesterman (University of Singapore)