ECNL joined a coalition of civil society organisations in sending an open letter to Executive Vice-President Virkkunen and Commissioner McGrath to express our concerns regarding the European Commission’s announcement to withdraw the proposed AI Liability Directive (AILD). While the proposal could be improved, we are concerned with this decision and call for new AI liability rules in line with the Better Regulation policy.
Today, many people face a daunting task if they are harmed by an AI system and try to seek compensation. This happens because it is very difficult, if not impossible, to prove that it was the faulty behaviour of the AI operator that led to a certain harm. This is why civil society urges the Commission to begin work on new AI liability rules replacing the AILD and take a non-fault-based liability approach that will make it easier for consumers who are harmed by an AI system to seek compensation. New AI liability rules would also enhance trust in AI. Social acceptance would have a positive spillover effect on the uptake of this technology and, in turn, on innovation and growth.