The European Commission wants to simplify the rules on liability for damage or injury in the application of artificial intelligence, such as self-driving cars. According to the news agency, the new rules on, for example, faulty software updates or faltering digital services will also apply to products such as robots and drones. In Europe, Volkswagen and Bosch, among others, are working on technology for autonomous cars.
The EU administration wants to reverse the burden of proof: companies have to prove that their products are safe and comply with the rules. The new rules should make it easier for consumers to sue the companies that supply artificial intelligence in the event of damage. In the UK, too, such new legislation for autonomous driving is in preparation. The discussion about liability in accidents involving autonomous cars has been going on for some time, especially between car manufacturers and insurers.
In addition, the Commission wants to expand the type of damage from defective or unsafe products that can be claimed. This makes it possible to claim liability for, among other things, loss of data, emotional damage and privacy violations.
“The use of artificial intelligence only works if the consumer feels safe and protected. That is why we propose to make our legal framework suitable for the digital transition,” said Commissioner Didier Reynders (Justice).
The current European legislation on product liability is forty years old. The proposals must be approved by the member states and the European Parliament.
