Algorithmic Entities: legal personhood on an autonomous computer algorithm

Lynn M. LoPucki
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - School of Law

Date Written: April 17, 2017

Abstract
In an article published in the Northwestern University Law Review in 2014, Professor Shawn Bayern demonstrated that anyone can confer legal personhood on an autonomous computer algorithm merely by putting it in control of a limited liability company. Bayern’s demonstration coincided with the development of “autonomous” online businesses that operate independently of their human owners — accepting payments in online currencies and performing the off-line aspects of their businesses by contracting with human agents. At about the same time, leading technologists Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Stephen Hawking said that they regard human-level artificial intelligence as an...

Lynn M. LoPucki
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - School of Law

Date Written: April 17, 2017

Abstract
In an article published in the Northwestern University Law Review in 2014, Professor Shawn Bayern demonstrated that anyone can confer legal personhood on an autonomous computer algorithm merely by putting it in control of a limited liability company. Bayern’s demonstration coincided with the development of “autonomous” online businesses that operate independently of their human owners — accepting payments in online currencies and performing the off-line aspects of their businesses by contracting with human agents. At about the same time, leading technologists Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Stephen Hawking said that they regard human-level artificial intelligence as an existential threat to the human race.