Liability Regimes in the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) may be described as a cyber-physical ecosystem of sensors and actuators, which enable and support decision-making processes, thanks to a constant cloud computing connection that allows the storage, analysis, sharing and (re)usage of data, recorded and exchanged by (and through) different devices. In this way, IoT results in a network of persons and objects that are capable of ‘sensing’ their surroundings, ‘processing’ relevant information, and ‘reacting’ accordingly, changing or adapting the status of the ‘software embedded things’.  While this is not yet employed to its full potentiality among entrepreneurs, customers and individuals, its importance for daily activity is growing. What are the implications of all this for civil liability? Are established approaches to product liability a useful starting-point of analysis? How would normal requirements of causation apply? In this paper, I seek to outline some of the questions arising from this fast-changing area and to offer some ways forward.

A sandwich lunch will be available from 12.30. The meeting will begin at 1pm.