AI ACT AND THE ECHO OF ASIMOV'S LAWS OF ROBOTICS. WHEN THE LACK OF LEGAL SOURCES PUSHED THE EU TOWARDS SCIENCE FICTION

We are living in a time of rapid technological advancement, particularly in the field of AI, and more specifically, Generative AI (GAI). As GAI models increasingly permeate everyday life, the urgent need for effective regulation has become apparent. This paper explores how the EU, in its effort to fill the legislative vacuum surrounding AI, drew inspiration from unconventional sources, including science fiction literature. Specifically, it examines the extent to which Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics, though fictional, have influenced the structure and ethical principles of the EU’s AI Act. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the resonance between Asimov’s fictional ethical framework and the normative architecture of the AI Act. To achieve this, we employ a qualitative legal research methodology, using comparative textual analysis of the AI Act alongside Asimov’s literary works and relevant policy documents. The paper is grounded in the theoretical perspectives of legal pragmatism and science and technology studies, focusing on how imagined futures can shape real-world regulatory choices. Our findings suggest that the AI Act reflects key elements of Asimov’s principles, especially the emphasis on human safety, ethical use, and transparency. This highlights an instance where speculative fiction has provided a conceptual foundation for actual legislation. The paper concludes by advocating for adaptable, ethics-based regulatory approaches that can evolve alongside AI technologies, reinforcing the idea that flexible legal structures are essential in responding to the dynamic nature of AI.