AI systems, the European Union’s AI liability directive to make it easier for drone makers to claim compensation

European Union

Individuals and companies harmed by drones, robots and other products or services equipped with artificial intelligence software will find it easier to claim compensation under EU draft rules seen by Reuters.

The AI ​​Liability Directive, which the European Commission will announce on Wednesday, aims to address the growing proliferation of AI-enabled products and services and the patchwork of national regulations across the 27-nation European Union.

Victims can claim compensation for damages to their life, property, health and privacy due to errors or omissions of the provider, developer or user of AI technology or discrimination in the recruitment process using AI, the draft rules said.

The rules seek to ease the burden of proof on victims by introducing a “presumption of causation,” meaning victims need only show that the harm was caused by a manufacturer’s or user’s failure to comply with certain requirements, and then link that to AI. Technology in their case.

Under the “right to evidence,” victims can ask the court to order companies and suppliers to provide information about high-risk AI systems so they can identify those responsible and find out what went wrong.

The EU executive will also update the Product Liability Directive on Wednesday which sets out the scope of manufacturers’ liability for defective products ranging from smart technology to machinery and pharmaceuticals.

The proposed changes would allow users to sue for compensation when software updates make their smart-home products vulnerable or when manufacturers fail to patch cybersecurity gaps.

Users with unsafe non-EU products will be able to sue the manufacturer’s EU representative for compensation.

The AI ​​Liability Directive will need the green light from EU countries and EU lawmakers before it becomes law.

© Thomson Reuters 2022


Affiliate links may be automatically generated – see our ethics statement for details.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here