Subdomain 1.4: Explain the impact of AI on society
1.A company's AI data center consumes so much water for cooling that nearby communities face shortages. Which of Floridi & Cowls' principles is most clearly violated?
- A.Beneficence
- B.Non-maleficence
- C.Autonomy
- D.Explicability
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B — Non-maleficence
- A. Beneficence focuses on promoting well-being and doing good. The scenario describes causing harm rather than failing to do good, so this principle is not the most directly violated.
- B. Non-maleficence means 'do no harm.' The excessive water consumption causing shortages for nearby communities is a clear harm, making this principle the most directly violated.
- C. Autonomy concerns individuals' ability to make independent choices. The issue here is resource depletion harming communities, not a restriction of personal autonomy.
- D. Explicability involves transparency and the ability to explain AI decisions. The harm from water usage is not due to a lack of explainability.