Mapping out AI Functions in Intelligent Disaster (Mis)Management and AI-Caused Disasters

Abstract

This study maps the functions of artificial intelligence in disaster (mis)management. It begins with a classification of disasters in terms of their causal parameters, introducing hypothetical cases of independent or hybrid AI-caused disasters. We then overview the role of AI in disaster management and mismanagement, where the latter includes possible ethical repercussions of the use of AI in intelligent disaster management (IDM), as well as ways to prevent or mitigate these issues, which include pre-design a priori, in-design, and post-design methods as well as regulations. We then discuss the governments role in preventing the ethical repercussions of AI use in IDM and identify and asses its deficits and challenges. This discussion is followed by an account of the advantages and disadvantages of pre-design or embedded ethics. Finally, we briefly consider the question of accountability and liability in AI-caused disasters.