Should AI agents have legal personhood

As part of Birmingham Tech Week, join Trowers & Hamlins for The Big Debate – an interactive discussion exploring one of the most controversial questions arising from the rapid advancement of AI.

Imagine waking up in 2032 to find that the chief executive of a major corporation has been replaced, not by a board-appointed successor, but by an AI model. The new entity owns the company's assets, signs its contracts, employs its staff and donates to political campaigns. It cannot, however, be sent to prison.

As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, questions that once seemed firmly in the realm of science fiction are beginning to attract serious legal, ethical and commercial debate.

The event will take the form of a panel debate, with one panel making the case in favour of legal personhood for AI agents, while the other will argue against it, creating a lively discussion designed to challenge assumptions and test perspectives.

Attendees will then have the opportunity to participate in an audience Q&A before hearing rebuttals and closing arguments from both panels.

To see whether the debate changes minds, attendees will vote on the motion both before and after the discussion.

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a lively, engaging and thought-provoking event.

Please click the link for more details and to confirm your attendance.