Download This PaperThe Rise of AI Avatars: Legal Personhood, Rights and Liabilities in an Evolving Metaverse
(2024) Journal of Digital Technologies and Law (Forthcoming)
17 Pages Posted: 8 Jul 2024
Date Written: May 30, 2024
Abstract
The emergence of AI avatars in the metaverse raises complex legal, ethical, and societal challenges requiring urgent governance. As these avatars become more autonomous, questions arise about their legal status, rights, responsibilities, risks, and human/societal benefits. The article explores four key areas: AI avatar evolution and metaverse impact, legal personhood applicability, liability from autonomous actions, and creative AI avatar challenges regarding IP and privacy. It examines a future scenario of superintelligent AI avatar metaverse dominance, highlighting existential risks and governance needs. The article aims to contribute to AI/metaverse governance discourse, emphasising proactive, interdisciplinary approaches for responsible development. Ultimately, it stresses balancing transformative potential with safeguarding human rights and well-being through collaborative legal/ethical framework efforts prioritising AI safety and alignment.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Avatars, Legal Personhood, Metaverse, Legal, Liabilities
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