Larry Stewart has been appointed to a new taskforce charged with writing rules of liability for artificial intelligence. The group consists of 60 lawyers, judges, academics, and technology leaders and was organized by the American Law Institute. Presently, there are few rules, and courts are grappling with how to resolve cases as they arise. Stewart noted that this is an especially timely project as artificial intelligence is advancing beyond all expectations, and there are few, if any, regulations or guidelines for its development.
Already, AI has progressed to independent thinking and creation, able to act on its own without human input. While AI holds the promise for jaw-dropping advancements across all human endeavors, in the hands of negligent or malevolent actors—or even by itself—it could cause unprecedented injury and damage. When that happens, injured victims need clear rules to hold responsible parties accountable.
It is projected that this will be a multi-year project with yearly installments as the work progresses. It is fitting that this is a project of the American Law Institute, as it is the premier law reform organization in the country, routinely publishing rules and principles on a wide range of legal issues.
This is the latest of Stewart’s many assignments with the American Law Institute. Spanning over 30 years, he has served as an Advisor or special consultant on all the Institute’s tort and tort-related projects. He also served 19 years on its governing body, the Council, as well as on numerous committees, including the Executive Committee. In 2019, Stewart became a Life Member, and he currently serves as an Emeritus member of the Council.