Dubai Government Holds Virtual Workshop on Civil Liability for Damage Caused by AI
The General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai (SLC) recently organized a virtual workshop titled Civil Liability for Damage Caused by the Use of AI Technologies. The workshop aimed to promote legal awareness and legislative knowledge among Dubai Government employees, highlighting the concept and features of artificial intelligence (AI) and discussing the civil liability arising from the damage caused by this technology.
Dr. Yahia Abdulla Al Adwan, SLC Legal Advisor, conducted the workshop through Microsoft Teams, with the participation of numerous government entity employees. Dr. Al Adwan shed light on the barriers to applying general rules of liability to the damage caused by AI technologies and proposed solutions to determine responsibility for such damage.
Ahmad bin Meshar Al Muhairi, SLC Secretary General, emphasized the importance of enhancing Dubai’s legislative ecosystem to keep up with technological advancements. With the increasing usage of AI technologies across different areas of life, there’s a need for a robust legal framework to regulate their use and determine liability for any resulting damage. This workshop aligns with the SLC’s objective to enhance legal knowledge, encourage cooperation, and share expertise with government partners.
Dr. Al Adwan addressed the efficiency of existing general rules of civil liability in compensating for damage caused by AI applications. He pointed out obstacles to applying these rules, such as the functional independence of AI technologies and their lack of control by any supervisor. Additionally, the unpredictability of AI actions, the diversity of its activities, and the involvement of numerous individuals in managing these activities pose challenges.
Recognizing the absence of general rules of civil liability to address AI-related damage and determine responsibility, legal professionals have explored potential solutions. Some proposed solutions include differentiating between liability for defects and liability for use, recognizing AI technology as a separate legal personality, and developing a new legal framework to govern AI use and determine liability for losses.
By hosting this workshop, the SLC aims to explore these complex legal issues surrounding AI technologies, promote understanding, and pave the way for effective regulation and accountability. The advancement of AI requires legal systems to evolve accordingly, ensuring that individuals and entities are held responsible for any harm caused by these technologies.
