Artificial Intelligence and the Legal Response Paradigms in Disaster Management

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming almost all spheres of life ranging from employment, medical practices, defence operations, urban infrastructure, banking and disaster management. Deploying AI-based systems during disasters to assist in forewarning and relief efforts can yield positive and negative results. While strong data can create robust and swift targeted delivery of relief measures, bias and discriminatory consequences resulting in a compromised AI can disrupt and displace all efforts. To investigate these angles, the authors explore the ethical and legal concerns raised by developing governance regimes for AI systems. The core of the problem is to develop an AI governance based on the principles of accountability, fairness, and transparency. The chapter argues that ethics and agency constitute a crucial element in appreciating AI systems in an algorithmic society. The chapter will look at the opportunities and ambiguities of borrowing the principles from disaster management and environmental law into the application of AI. Drawing upon the literature, the authors locate legal personality, liability, regulation and possible considerations of making AI a viable tool in disaster management.