The European Commission is suggesting new rules to help people harmed by products deploying artificial intelligence (AI) or devices such as drones.

The AI Liability Directive (AILD) would reduce the burden of proof on people who take legal action over the use of the products, claimed Justice Commissioner, Didier Reynders.

He said it would make a legal framework that was fit for the digital age.

In future self-driving cars, voice assistants and search engines could all fall under the AILD’s scope.

If it goes ahead, it could run alongside the EU’s proposed Artificial Intelligence Act and be the first law to set limits on how and when AI systems can be used.

Sarah Cameron, technology legal director at law firm Pinsent Masons, told the BBC: “A major barrier to businesses adopting AI has been the complexity, autonomy and opacity (the so-called black box effect) of AI, creating uncertainty around establishing liability and with whom it sits.

“The proposal will ensure that when AI systems are defective and cause physical damage or data loss, it’s possible to seek compensation from the AI-system provider or from any manufacturer that integrates an AI system into another product.”