Artificial Intelligence as a Legal Person: The Future of Law, Regulating Identity, Accountability and Data in Digital Age
TL;DR
Whether AI can be regarded as a legal person, particularly in light of the historical development of legal personhood, is explored, and whether similar recognition is appropriate for AI systems that display autonomy but lack human qualities such as intention and consciousness.
Abstract
The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping modern legal systems and raises important questions about legal personality, identity regulation, accountability and data governance in the digital era. This paper explores whether AI can be regarded as a legal person, particularly in light of the historical development of legal personhood, which expanded from human individuals to include juristic entities for practical and functional reasons. It examines whether similar recognition is appropriate for AI systems that display autonomy but lack human qualities such as intention and consciousness. The paper also considers how legal systems respond to the challenges surrounding digital identity, including the risks created by emerging technologies. It highlights the difficulty of determining responsibility when AI systems cause harm, a difficulty that often leaves gaps in accountability. It further analyses the complexities of managing and protecting data in an increasingly data-driven environment. The study situates these issues within the broader need for legal adaptation in response to rapidly advancing technologies.