AI-induced suicide: challenges in access to justice

Abstract

The rapid advancement of new technologies raises unprecedented dilemmas for contemporary criminal law doctrine. The objective of this research is to analyze the impact on access to justice caused by normative gaps that limit the application of the theory of objective imputation in suicides arising from interaction with artificial intelligence (AI). The methodology falls within a qualitative and dogmatic-legal approach, under a non-experimental, cross-sectional design with a descriptive scope, employing documentary analysis techniques and exegetical examination of criminal law doctrine. The results demonstrate that, although AI tools may play a determinant role in inducing suicide, the absence of specific regulation prevents the application of objective imputation due to the lack of a traditional human active subject, thereby violating the victim's right to effective judicial protection. It is concluded that AI has transcended its role as a mere data processor to become an agent with real capacity to influence human behavior, which supports, as an implication, the imperative need to reform and strengthen the criminal legal framework, adapting liability criteria to regulate emerging conduct that generates social vulnerability in the digital age.