AI and Civil Liability: Contrasting Algerian Legislation with the European Union’s Regulatory Approach

The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems poses unprecedented challenges to civil liability re-gimes, particularly in attributing fault and ensuring victim compensation. This paper conducts a comparative legal analysis of Algeria’s fault-based civil liability framework, rooted in the 1975 Civil Code, and the European Union’s risk-based approach under the Artificial Intelligence Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) and the revised Product Liability Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/2853). While Algeria’s system struggles with AI’s opacity and autonomy, the EU’s proactive model offers strict liability and transparency mechanisms to address these complexities. Through doctrinal analysis, case studies, and comparative methods, this study identifies gaps in Algerian law and proposes reforms inspired by the EU, including risk-based classifications and mandatory insurance. The findings contribute to global AI governance discourse, offering a roadmap for civil law jurisdictions to adapt to technological advancements while balancing innovation and accountability.