Enrico Schaefer - March 2, 2023 - Artificial Intellience
I am an AI attorney representing AI companies. You are wondering what legal issues AI companies might face. I have developed a list of key legal issues that all AI companies should consider before launching service-based software.
Consideration should be given to securing intellectual property rights such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets for any AI algorithm or software developed. The data set that companies use to build their platform might be copyright protected. We are already seeing copying infringement lawsuits against AI companies based on the data they have included in their learning models.
Companies must also be aware of data protection laws and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations, including the GDPR or CCPA, especially where personal data is being processed.
AI systems can cause harm, and therefore companies should consider the potential risks involved, including any harm that may result from an AI system’s failure or misuse. Companies must consider legal responsibility for any harm or damage that may be caused by their AI software, and insurance policies should be put in place to cover any potential liability.
AI systems can perpetuate biases and discrimination if not developed unbiasedly.
The AI industry is already facing several ethical issues, including bias in the development of algorithms, privacy concerns, the potential for abuse by malicious actors and states, and transparency around how AI systems make decisions.
To address these issues, companies should take steps to understand and mitigate their own biases during the development process. They should also consider what data they are using for training purposes and whether this data has been collected in accordance with ethical standards. Finally, companies must ensure that they have clear policies around how their AI systems use personal information and what privacy protections are required by law.
AI companies must consider the regulatory landscape and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards, including industry-specific regulations and standards such as those governing medical devices or financial services.
Companies must ensure their AI systems are transparent, explainable, and accountable, especially when making decisions affecting individuals or groups.
The development of AI systems can be constrained by legal requirements that apply to an AI system’s design, development, deployment, and operation. These laws may require a company to obtain specific permissions before deploying an AI system; they may impose restrictions on how an AI system can be used or require companies to take steps to protect individuals’ privacy or other rights.