What is the primary focus of the updated EU Product Liability Directive?

The primary focus of the updated EU Product Liability Directive is to include AI, software, and digital products in the existing liability regulations. This expansion reflects the acknowledgment that the landscape of products has significantly evolved with technological advancements, and existing liability frameworks needed to adapt accordingly. By incorporating these modern elements, the directive aims to ensure that entities involved in the design, development, and deployment of AI and digital products bear responsibility for defects and harms caused by such technologies. This is key to protecting consumers and ensuring accountability in an increasingly digital economy.

The other options do not align with the intent of the updated directive. Reducing liability claims for physical products does not address the necessary updates for newer technologies, and limiting responsibilities of manufacturers would potentially undermine consumer protections. Lastly, exempting all digital products from liability would run contrary to the goals of maintaining accountability for all types of products, which is central to the directive’s revision.