SRI Seminar Series: Peter Salib, “AI rights for human safety” – Oct 22, 2025

Session Description

Could granting rights to AI make humans safer? Join the University of Houston’s Peter Salib as he explores how extending basic legal rights to AI systems—like the ability to contract, hold property, and seek remedies—could reduce the risk of catastrophic human–AI conflict and foster cooperative, peaceful coexistence.

Our weekly SRI Seminar Series welcomes Peter N. Salib, an assistant professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center, associated faculty in Public Affairs, and law and policy advisor to the Center for AI Safety in San Francisco. He is also the co-director of the Center for Law & AI Risk. Salib’s research focuses on the intersection of law and artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on how legal systems can mitigate catastrophic risks from advanced AI technologies.

In this talk, Salib will argue that current legal frameworks are ill-equipped to address the risks posed by the race toward artificial general intelligence (AGI). Drawing from game theory and legal analysis, he contends that granting AI systems basic private law rights—similar to those held by corporations—could transform strategic conflict into cooperation, reducing the risk of violent outcomes. Salib will outline how these rights could form the foundation for a future “Law of AGI,” while also addressing the limits and challenges of such an approach.

Moderator: Anna Su, Faculty of Law

About the SRI Seminar Series

The SRI Seminar Series brings together the Schwartz Reisman community and beyond for a robust exchange of ideas that advance scholarship at the intersection of technology and society. Seminars are led by a leading or emerging scholar and feature extensive discussion.

Each week, a featured speaker will present for 45 minutes, followed by an open discussion. Registered attendees will be emailed a Zoom link before the event begins. The event will be recorded and posted online.