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Could a computer algorithm be put on trial?

August 5th, 2016September 30th, 2025Richard KempNo CommentsReading duration: 1 min

Richard Kemp comments in Tech Radar’s article on whether the algorithmic economy could have morally questionable consequences.

“Algorithms are essentially sets of rules that computers must follow when processing data – so, in legal terms, they’re much like any other software,” says Richard Kemp, founder of Kemp IT Law and one of the world’s top IT lawyers. “Just as if CAD software is used to design a building that falls down and injures people, the designers of the defective software may be liable, so it’s possible that the designers of faulty algorithms may also have to accept legal responsibility.”

Read the full article here.

About the author

Richard has built an outstanding reputation for advice that combines commerciality and client service with innovative legal solutions to the business challenges of technology development, deployment and regulation. As a tech lawyer, Richard is top ranked in Chambers UK 2025, named in Legal 500’s Hall of Fame 2025 and has been recognised by peers in Best Lawyers since 2009.

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