Liability for damages caused by artificial intelligence systems – main challenges to be addressed by the European Union conflict-of-laws regulations

Abstract

This article discusses the main challenges related to the liability for damages caused by artificial intelligence (AI) systems that need to be properly addressed by the European Union (EU) conflict-of-laws regime. In the first part of the paper authors point out three main challenges, namely: 1) determination of responsible persons, 2) optimal liability regime for AI torts, and 3) determination of high – risk AI systems. In the second part of the paper the authors assess the application of the conflict-of-law provisions of the Rome II Regulation from this perspective. This article argues that a harmonised legal framework at EU level is necessary to avoid the risk of legal fragmentation in filling the gaps created by unprecedented technological advances caused by AI. This objective should also be pursued by the conflict-of-laws rules of private international law.