The future

Abstract

This chapter reflects on how technological change is reshaping contract law. It examines the rise of automated contracting, algorithmic decision-making, and artificial intelligence, and the challenges these pose to voluntariness and accountability. It discusses the limits of human oversight in ‘smart contracts’ and explores new forms of regulation that preserve transparency and fairness. The chapter argues that contract law must evolve to remain human-centred, ensuring that efficiency and innovation do not eclipse justice and trust. It concludes that the enduring task of contract law is to sustain cooperation in an increasingly digital world.