Towards a Legal Model for the Liability of Digital Media Companies for the Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies: A Comparative Study of Iraqi, French, and English Law

Abstract

This study examines the legal liability of digital media companies arising from the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the creation, dissemination, and management of media content. The rapid integration of AI into digital media services has generated significant legal challenges relating to the protection of fundamental rights, content accuracy, privacy, transparency, and accountability. The study aims to evaluate the adequacy of the legal framework governing liability under Iraqi law through a comparative analysis with French and English law and to propose a coherent legal model capable of addressing existing legislative shortcomings and responding to the demands of the contemporary digital environment. To achieve this objective, the research adopts a comparative legal methodology supported by doctrinal and legislative analysis, with particular emphasis on the legal obligations of digital media companies when designing, deploying, and operating AI systems in the provision of media services. The findings demonstrate that traditional liability rules are no longer sufficient to address the legal risks associated with AI applications, particularly those involving misinformation, violations of privacy, algorithmic discrimination, and the attribution of liability for AI-generated harm. The study further concludes that French and English legal frameworks increasingly emphasize transparency, risk management, and algorithmic accountability, whereas Iraqi legislation still lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework capable of governing AI-driven media activities. The principal contribution of this study is the development of a proposed legal model that defines the liability of digital media companies while achieving an appropriate balance between technological innovation and the effective protection of rights and freedoms in the digital environment.