Responsabilidad civil por daños causados por inteligencia artificial: análisis jurídico desde la teoría del riesgo y los vacíos normativos en Ecuador

José Antonio  García Vallejo

doi:10.59169/pentaciencias.v8i1.1771

Authors

José Antonio García Vallejo Abogado en libre ejercicio https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3530-3568

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59169/pentaciencias.v8i1.1771

Keywords:

artificial intelligence; civil liability; risk theory; technological damage; legal regulation

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has created significant challenges for contemporary legal systems, particularly regarding civil liability for damages caused by autonomous intelligent systems. The capacity of these systems to make automated decisions raises complex questions about the attribution of legal responsibility when harm occurs. This article aims to analyze the civil liability regime applicable to damages caused by artificial intelligence from the perspective of Ecuadorian law, addressing existing regulatory gaps and evaluating possible legal solutions based on risk theory. The research follows a qualitative legal-dogmatic and documentary approach, based on the analysis of the Constitution of Ecuador, the Civil Code, the Consumer Protection Law, and specialized legal doctrine on technological liability. The findings reveal that the Ecuadorian legal system lacks specific regulation for artificial intelligence, which means that damages arising from its use must currently be addressed through general rules of extra-contractual liability and product liability. The study also highlights doctrinal debates regarding whether responsibility should fall on the programmer, the company providing the system, or the user employing the technology. The article concludes that risk theory offers a viable framework for structuring an adequate legal regime to address damage caused by intelligent systems, ensuring effective protection of individuals’ rights against technological risks.

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