Silverman, Goldberg and Wilson Discuss Legal Challenges of Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies are changing the way we live, travel and buy goods and services. While new technology may improve our lives, it also brings new risks. Shook, Hardy & Bacon Partners Cary Silverman and Phil Goldberg, with Of Counsel Jonathan Wilson, have authored a report, Torts of the Future: Addressing the Liability and Regulatory Implications of Emerging Technologies, addressing the challenges of promoting innovation and economic growth while protecting consumer safety and privacy.

The report, published for the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, focuses on five main areas of new technology:

• autonomous vehicles;
• the commercial use of drones;
• private space exploration;
• the “sharing economy,” which allows people to generate income from underused assets such as cars and housing; and
• “The Internet of Things,” involving products connected to collect and share data.

The authors examine current technological developments, provide an overview of existing regulatory and liability frameworks, consider current and anticipated litigation, and conclude with proposals for guiding principles to address liability and regulatory implications of emerging technologies. The U.S. Chamber Technology Engagement Center and the Institute for Legal Reform featured the report at its “Emerging Technologies and Torts of the Future” event in Silicon Valley.