AIAAIC's "Consequence Taxonomy" describes the legal, regulatory, legislative, and financial consequences of incidents caused by the use, misuse, or poor governance of AI and automated systems, or set of systems.
The taxonomy is intended to help researchers, civil society organisations, journalists, students, users and others to identify and understand these consequences, in order to help hold the individuals or organisations seen as accountable for harms caused.
Applied to entries to the AIAAIC Repository, the taxonomy aims to present consequences in a clear and succinct manner that is understandable to the general public.
The Consequence Taxonomy is available to third-parties to download, comment upon, update, and re-use in line with AIAAIC'sIAAIC's terms of use.
🚩AIAAIC's Consequence Taxonomy is regularly updated. Researchers, civil society organisations and others interested in participating in its development should contact us.
Fine/settlement. A monetary penalty imposed by an authority, or a negotiated agreement that resolves a dispute or enforcement action.
Government investigation. A formal inquiry conducted by the ruling government to examine potential violations of guidelines, laws, regulations, or public policies.
Incarceration. The confinement of a person in a jail or prison facility after being charged or convicted of a crime.
Legal warning. A formal notice such as a cease-and-desist letter stating that certain actions, behaviours, or uses are prohibited or restricted under law, and that violations may result in legal consequences.
Legislative complaint/investigation. A warning, complaint, investigation or other intervention by elected policymakers.
Legislation introduction/update. The introduction of new legislation, or amendment of existing legislation, as a consequence of an incident.
Litigation. The process of resolving a dispute by taking it to court.
Market value loss. The reduction in the market price of a company’s share/stock.
Policy update. An update to corporate or system-specific policies as a result of an incident or controversy.
Police investigation/action. The formal activities undertaken by law enforcement authorities to detect, examine, prevent, or respond to suspected or alleged criminal conduct, and to enforce applicable laws.
Product recall. The voluntary or mandatory official removal or correction of a product considered to be defective, unsafe, or non‑compliant.
Regulatory investigation/action. The formal process by which a governing authority monitors, probes, and penalises organisations or individuals to ensure they follow the law, including discovery, injunctions, public censure, licence suspension or revocation, and criminal prosecution.
Revenue loss. The loss of income experienced by an individual or organisation.
December 15, 2025. Taxonomy renamed from "Internal impacts" to "Consequence"; Removed "Strategic/reputational", "Operational", "Legal/regulatory" and "Financial" as primary categories