'A legal framework for artificial intelligence: between legislative challenges and the foundations of civil liability' was the title of a panel held by the College of Law and Politics at the Seminar Hall on 17 May 2026. The two panellists were Prof. Dr Saman Fawzi Omer, a specialist in civil law, and Dr Ausama Salah Muhammed, a specialist in criminal law.

Talks revolved around disputes occurring between citizens and the state and between citizens as a result of using AI in both physical machines (like robots, drones, medical equipment, smart appliances, and autonomous vehicles) and digital software systems (like chatbots, recommendation algorithms, and translation tools), as well as the issue of liability and legal responsibility.

Iraqi civil law is characterised by being flexible; it allows for interpretations and can cover issues arising from the use of AI. However, as AI develops rapidly and is increasingly used in many areas of life, many problems should be expected that require laws to be made, amended, and developed.

Liability and compensation for victims as a result of using AI: who is liable for damages caused by AI? Is it the operator, the supplier, the manufacturer, or the programmer? Article 231 of the Iraqi Civil Code stipulates that 'Anyone who has under his control mechanical machinery or other things that require special care to prevent their danger shall be liable for any damage caused by them unless they prove that they took sufficient precautions to prevent the occurrence of this damage, without prejudice to any special provisions governing this matter.' Can this be applied to cases involving the use of AI?

There is also the issue of copyright and ownership; when an AI app creates an image based on the user's request, who then owns the copyright? And what happens when it is found that the AI app has used an unauthorised picture without permission? Who can then sue whom or what?

In short, the panel believed that the current Iraqi laws can help with disputes resulting from the use of AI, but more needs to be done. Jurists and legal scholars must pursue the matter further and can learn from other states' laws on AI.