Source: European Parliament

The European Parliament recently held a hearing on how to adapt non-contractual civil liability laws to artificial intelligence, addressing the growing legal uncertainties surrounding AI-driven damages. As AI systems become more autonomous, determining liability for harm caused by AI applications is a key challenge for European lawmakers.

One of the main legal issues is whether existing civil liability rules are sufficient to cover AI-related harms or if new legislation is needed. The hearing examined the need for strict liability for high-risk AI applications, where operators or developers could be held responsible for damages even without proven fault.

The discussion also covered the role of insurance frameworks in managing AI liability risks. Some lawmakers proposed mandatory insurance for AI operators to ensure compensation for victims of AI-related incidents, similar to existing policies in sectors like aviation and healthcare.

Another focus of the debate was the balance between innovation and regulation. While the EU aims to promote AI development, lawmakers stress the importance of ensuring adequate legal protections for individuals and businesses affected by AI-driven errors.

Legal experts provided recommendations on aligning AI liability laws with the broader European AI Act, emphasizing the need for harmonized rules across EU member states. The hearing concluded with calls for continued legal research and legislative updates to ensure AI accountability in civil law.