When law meets the technology of the future
As society races forward, the law strives to keep pace. This is clearly reflected in several research articles published by the Faculty of Law at Stockholm University during 2025.
Photo: Yannawit Dhammasaro / Mostphoto
Something happens every time the law intersects with new technology. New questions arise, old assumptions are tested, and sometimes entire areas of law shift as society takes the next step.
Over the past year, researchers at the Faculty of Law have published studies capturing these shifts – from the role of copyright in AI-generated films to the legal challenges posed by the EU’s regulation of digital infrastructure.
These examples are only a selection of the year’s research. Below are five studies that attempt to provide answers to some of the questions that emerge when the law faces new technology. For those seeking a broader view of the faculty’s research – spanning many legal fields far beyond those highlighted here – a wealth of material is available on our research pages and in DiVA.
Regulating Open Source in a New Digital Reality
Liane Colonna, Associate Professor in Law and Information Technology
How is open source software affected by new EU rules? The Cyber Resilience Act and the Product Liability Directive impose requirements on developers, including more rigorous documentation. This article shows how law shapes digital infrastructure and is a recommended read for anyone interested in the interplay between technology and legal frameworks.
(Published in Computer Law & Security Review, April 2025)
The AI Act Through Four Legislative Models
Stanley Greenstein, Associate Professor in Law and Information Technology & Mauro Zamboni, Professor of General Jurisprudence
How do you regulate technology that develops faster than the law can keep up? This article analyzes the EU AI Act and shows how four different legislative models operate simultaneously, affecting how consistently the rules are applied. An insightful read for anyone interested in the role of law in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
(Published in The Theory and Practice of Legislation, June 2025)
Regulating Uncertainty: AI and Systemic Risk
Samuel Carey, PhD Candidate in Law and Information Technology
How can legislation manage risks that are not yet fully predictable? This article examines the EU AI Act and shows how systemic risks create new forms of uncertainty, partly by delegating key decisions to private actors. The study offers a glimpse into the paradox of AI regulation: attempts to protect against future risks may make it harder to know what applies today.
Read: Regulating Uncertainty: Governing General-Purpose AI Models and Systemic Risk
(Published in European Journal of Risk Regulation, August 2025)
Generative AI and the Film Industry – Copyright in Transition
Eleonora Rosati, Professor of Intellectual Property Law
How should copyright handle AI-generated works? This article analyzes EU and UK frameworks and explains when AI-assisted productions can be protected and when liability may arise. A valuable read for anyone interested in how creative industries are being transformed by AI.
(Published in Computer Security Law Review, September 2025)
Between Free Press and Fake News: Platform Responsibility in the AI Era
Björn Lundqvist, Professor of European Law
Digital platforms shape what we see, read, and believe – but how much responsibility should they bear? This article shows that current rules often focus on after-the-fact moderation rather than preventing disinformation. At the same time, AI and algorithms make it possible for platforms to assume greater editorial responsibility, potentially supporting more balanced information and stronger protection of democratic values.
(Published in Social Science Research Network, November 2025)
Last updated: 2025-12-19
Source: Department of Law