The Law of Artificial Intelligence

• Semester: Fall 2024
• Course ID: 296W
• Credit Hours: 2
• Unique: 28669

Description

Artificial Intelligence (AI) permeates our daily lives, from smart apps to widespread applications in industry, the government, and the legal system.  It is a singular technological advancement on par with the microchip, automobiles, and nuclear power, and—like those technologies—will alter society in myriad ways, both good and bad.

This course will examine the emerging and growing bodies of law surrounding AI.  The beginning of the course will establish a working knowledge of the different types and functionalities of AI, with an emphasis on how AI mirrors human conduct regulated by the law.  The course will then examine the legal issues created by generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT), including the copyright issues and ongoing litigation regarding generative AI’s inputs, as well as the issues presented when AI becomes a creator or inventor.

The course will next examine the challenges that AI presents for privacy and data, including personal information, data breaches, and the right to control one’s own image and likeness.  The last topic will be especially acute in a presidential election year; AI-generated deepfakes have already entered the political fray.  The course will also cover the intersection of AI and the criminal law, including how AI is being used by the police, prosecutors, and judges, as well as the challenges that may be presented when AI itself commits bad acts, including torts and crimes.

Finally, the course will culminate with an examination of the emerging legal frameworks targeting AI.  Those frameworks include comprehensive approaches (e.g., the EU AI Act), targeted approaches addressing a single issue, and piecemeal approaches that fold AI into existing legal frameworks.  Students will complete this course with an understanding of AI and its regulation as well as the ability to track and comprehend future developments in both areas.