Events

Autonomous Systems Failures: Who is Legally and Morally Responsible?

 Wednesday, November 18, 2020
 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM
 Virtual Room 1
 Law and Technology Initiative
 Daniel Linna
  (312) 503-3233
 daniel.linna@law.northwestern.edu
 For Northwestern Community


In 2018, an Uber self-driving car hit and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona. Investigations revealed flaws in the vehicle’s self-driving mechanisms and Uber’s safety culture. Uber quickly agreed to a settlement of civil claims with the pedestrian’s family. But while Uber was cleared of criminal charges, the vehicle’s safety driver was charged with negligent homicide in September 2020. 

 

As artificial intelligence is woven into more facets of life, who should be legally and morally responsible for failures and other negative consequences to individuals and society? This panel will explore the legal, technological, and societal implications of assigning responsibility for autonomous systems failures. 

 

Join us to begin this important conversation with:  

  • Ryan Calo, Lane Powell and D. Wayne Gittinger Professor at the University of Washington School of Law; 
  • Madeleine Clare Elish, Senior Research Scientist at Google; and 
  • Todd Murphey, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences at Northwestern University. 
  • Moderated by Dan Linna, Senior Lecturer and Director of Law and Technology Initiatives at Northwestern University. 

 

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