Artificial intelligence and interspecific law

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 382; no. 6669; pp. 376 - 378
• Main Authors: Gervais, Daniel J., Nay, John J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington The American Association for the Advancement of Science 27.10.2023
• Subjects: Agents (artificial intelligence); Artificial intelligence; Embedding; Interspecific; Legislation; Litigation; Singularities
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.adi8678

Law could recognize nonhuman AI-led corporate entities Several experts have warned about artificial intelligence (AI) exceeding human capabilities, a “singularity” at which it might evolve beyond human control. Whether this will ever happen is a matter of conjecture. A legal singularity is afoot, however: For the first time, nonhuman entities that are not directed by humans may enter the legal system as a new “species” of legal subjects. This possibility of an “interspecific” legal system provides an opportunity to consider how AI might be built and governed. We argue that the legal system may be more ready for AI agents than many believe. Rather than attempt to ban development of powerful AI, wrapping of AI in legal form could reduce undesired AI behavior by defining targets for legal action and by providing a research agenda to improve AI governance, by embedding law into AI agents, and by training AI compliance agents.