Tort liability of companion AI platforms in the era of attention economy
Tang Jing
(School of Law, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China)
Abstract: Under the background of attention economy, the traditional theory of technological neutrality faces challenges. In the regulation of tort liability, a new regulatory path should be found for companion artificial intelligence with the function of emotional connection. This path should not completely deviate from the current faultbased liability system for torts. Given that companion artificial intelligence can potentially cause extensive and severe harm, a relatively strict approach towards attribution of liability should be maintained in the overall regulatory stance. However, in specific judicial practices, the deficiencies of direct application of faultbased liability can be addressed through methods such as the inversion of the burden of proof, and an optimistic attitude should be adopted towards establishing general rules for future companion artificial intelligence platforms.
Key words : attention economy; companion AI platforms; technology neutral; responsibility regulation