Artificial Intelligence, Liability, and Legal Personhood: Towards a Human-Centered Framework Balancing Innovation, Responsibility, and Ethical Safeguards

Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining traditional boundaries of law, ethics, and responsibility.Moving beyond its role as a tool, AI has acquired a level of autonomy that raises unprecedented challenges for legal systems worldwide.Legal frameworks originally designed for human agency or mechanical tools struggle to assign liability when damages arise from AI-driven decisions.This paper examines the debate surrounding AI's legal qualification, ranging from its treatment as a product subject to product liability, to its categorization under the custody of things, and finally to the controversial proposal of granting AI independent legal personhood.By analyzing these approaches and their limitations, the study argues for adapting existing legal structures rather than reinventing them.Flexible liability regimes, mandatory insurance, and compensation funds emerge as practical solutions.Ultimately, a balanced frameworkanchored in human dignity and ethical responsibility-offers the most effective path forward to reconcile technological innovation with justice and societal stability.