Analysis of Whether Artificial Intelligence Should Have Legal Status

Abstract

The introduction of artificial intelligence in industry and society will revolutionise the current social landscape and, while having the potential to significantly improve welfare and quality of life, will also face a number of technical, industrial and regulatory challenges. The development of artificial intelligence will revolutionise the current structure of society and will bring with it a number of regulatory challenges arising from a legal framework that is not yet ready. To accommodate this reality, machines with limited memory, machines with a theory of mind and machines with self-awareness should be considered as legal entities separate from their owners and users. This paper discusses the rationale for this conclusion and analyses whether AI should have property rights among the rights and obligations it should have once its legal status is established.