The question of how responsibility is allocated between users and providers of AI systems was also raised, including in cases where outputs are inaccurate. Examples from the practices of major AI platforms were discussed, where terms of service often shift responsibility onto the user.

Another topic addressed was when an AI system can be considered “defective,” as well as who bears responsibility for changes after deployment – for example, through self-learning or software updates by third parties. The discussion also touched on AI in regulatory sandboxes, where new technologies are tested in a controlled environment.

At the end of the discussion, emphasis was placed on the “accountability by design” approach, whereby responsibility requirements are embedded from the very creation and deployment of AI systems.

The visit of the team from imec –  KU Leuven –  CiTiP is part of a broader strategic collaboration between the GATE Institute and CiTiP at KU Leuven – a leading European center in the field of technology law and intellectual property. The partnership aims to foster the development of joint interdisciplinary research across artificial intelligence, computer science, and law.

A special guest at this year’s event was José Rodríguez dos Santos – a Portuguese writer, journalist, central television news anchor, war reporter, best-selling author and university lecturer.

In his speech, “How Spinoza created the West”, he drew a parallel between the life and activity of one of the greatest philosophers of the 17th century and the mark he left on the development of modern society.

President Rumen Radev and José Rodríguez dos Santos answered questions sent by the guests of “Horizons 2024” and asked by Prof. Silvia Ilieva. Questions such as the change of society in the absence of high cultural and moral values ​​and how the state can encourage business to supports the development of culture were touched upon in the ensuing discussion.