Law, AI and robotics: UK country report (SIENNA project)

The objective of this report is to review the state of the law and current legal responses to developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics and determine how specific questions or issues are addressed in the UK. It highlights key legal developments pertaining to AI and robotics covering the last five to ten years. It looks at developments in AI and/or robotics legislation that may influence constitutional or human rights, and attempts or plans to create or adapt legislation to AI and robotics developments. The role of regulation, case law and creation of new regulatory bodies is examined with regard to how AI and robotics applications are designed, set up, commissioned or used, among others. It explores how law and AI interact with regard to two issues: (i) algorithmic bias and discrimination (including automated decision-making systems), and (ii) intellectual property issues related to works created by AI. For robotics, it explores two issues (i) creation of a specific legal status for robots and (ii) safety and civil liability issues: who is liable for damage caused by robots. A brief analysis of gaps and challenges follows.