Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers for injuries or damages caused by their products. The legal framework for product liability varies across different jurisdictions, but there are some common principles and regulations that exist in many countries.
In the European Union (EU), the legal framework for product liability is primarily governed by the Product Liability Directive. This directive establishes the rules and principles for liability for defective products.
The EU has also recognized the need to adapt the legal framework to the realities of the digital transformation and the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). In this regard, the AI Liability Directive has been introduced to adapt private law to the new challenges posed by AI . The goal of any liability framework, including those related to AI, should be to provide legal certainty for all parties involved, while also protecting potential victims of harm or damage .
The European Commission has proposed a legal framework for artificial intelligence that aims to address the risks associated with specific uses of AI. This framework focuses on the respect of fundamental rights and safety and aims to ensure that persons harmed by AI systems enjoy the same level of protection as those harmed by other technologies .
It is worth noting that the legal framework for product liability can vary from country to country. For example, in the United States, product liability is primarily governed by state laws, which may differ in their approach and requirements.