Consequence Taxonomy

🚩AIAAIC's Consequence Taxonomy is regularly updated. Researchers, civil society organisations and others interested in participating in its development should contact us.

• Employee backlash. Widespread negative reactions from employees when an organisation introduces, changes, or uses technology in ways they believe negatively affect their work, job security, autonomy, or working conditions.

• Fine/settlement. A monetary penalty imposed by an authority, or a negotiated agreement that resolves a dispute or enforcement action.

• Government assessment/test. A documented evaluation, using specified procedures and evidence, to demonstrate that a technology system satisfies the requirements applicable to its intended use. 

• 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.

• Public backlash. Strong, widespread negative reactions from the public toward a technology, company, product, or technological decision.

• 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.