Personal Autonomy and the Autonomy of Artificial Intelligence Systems, or why Algorithmic Computing Systems Will Not Be Recognized as Subjects of Law

  • Gennady I. Uvarkin Omega Law Bureau
Keywords: artificial intelligence, autonomy, autonomy of will, subject of law, agency, electronic agent

Abstract

The author analyzes concepts used in attempts to determine the status of an artificial intelligence (AI) system and its place in modern law. He notes the uniqueness of a person as a subject of law and compares the autonomy of the human will with the autonomy of the AI system. It is emphasized that AI systems, like animals, do not have legal personality due to the lack of autonomy of the will as an inherent property of the individual and the subject of law. According to the author, it calis precisely the lack of autonomy of will, one’s own goals and interests that does not allow us to talk about any subjectivity of AI systems, while the presence of cognitive abilities that allow solving various kinds of tasks cannot in itself serve as a basis for recognizing the subjectivity of programs or technical systems used to solve such tasks. Taking into account the fact that people acquire subjectivity within the framework of social relations by entering into such relations with each other, and not with AI, there is no possibility of recognizing AI as a participant in such relations, an as independent person and a subject of law.

Author Biography

Gennady I. Uvarkin, Omega Law Bureau

Candidate of Sciences (Law), General Director, Omega Law Bureau, 12 Tverskaya Str., Building 9, Moscow 125375, Russia, uvarkingi@pbomega.ru

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Published
2026-07-01
How to Cite
UvarkinG. I. (2026). Personal Autonomy and the Autonomy of Artificial Intelligence Systems, or why Algorithmic Computing Systems Will Not Be Recognized as Subjects of Law. Legal Issues in the Digital Age, 7(2), 4-22. https://doi.org/10.17323/2713-2749.2026.2.4.22
Section
Artificial Intelligence and Law