AI agents aren’t legally responsible for any harm that they cause, experts say. So who is?

After Australia’s first reported automated hacking accident, experts warn deployers – and possibly developers – of AI agents could be held liable for the actions of their bots

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The law is clear, says Prof Jeannie Paterson. “If I deploy an AI agent and it causes harm to someone else, I am responsible for that harm.

“Even if I didn’t intend for that to happen, it was foreseeable, and I should be taking responsibility.”