Coalition splits on AI liability

The centrist parties backing Ursula von der Leyen clashed in the European Parliament on Thursday over whether AI companies should be held legally responsible for harm their models cause.

The case for liability rules

Socialists and Greens want AI firms liable for harm like other product makers. Alex Agius Saliba, Socialists and Democrats vice-president from Malta, said withdrawing the AI liability directive was a big mistake.

“To withdraw the AI liability directive was a big mistake. We strongly urge the Commission to bring forward this important piece of legislation.”

Greens compare AI to faulty goods

Dutch Green MEP Kim van Sparrentak compared AI to dangerous products. She said if a phone charger explodes, we hold the manufacturer liable, not call it innovative.

“If a phone charger explodes in your house, we never call it innovative. We call it cheap, dangerous junk, and we hold the manufacturer liable for damages.”

Centre-right opposes more rules

Swedish centre-right MEP Arba Kokalari said the EU already has a full rulebook in the AI Act. She argued Europe should focus on less bureaucracy and more private investment to compete globally.

“Less bureaucracy, more private investments, better access to data and computing infrastructure.”

Commission cites disagreement

Jozef Síkela, the commissioner for international partnerships, said the Commission withdrew the liability rules because EU countries and MEPs could not agree on them.