What does Avoid mean in the context of AI risk response strategies?

• A. An informed decision to not pursue an action because risk cannot be brought within limits.
• B. Accepting risk within limits.
• C. Transferring all risk to a third party.
• D. Documenting risk without action.

Answer: (D)

Avoid means removing exposure by not pursuing or continuing the action when the risk cannot be reduced to an acceptable level. In AI risk management, this option is chosen to prevent harm or unacceptable consequences by stopping the project or abandoning the approach rather than trying to control or share the risk.

This differs from accepting risk, which is about proceeding while tolerating the risk within the defined appetite. It also differs from transferring risk, which aims to shift responsibility to another party. Documenting risk without action doesn’t reduce or eliminate the exposure; it records the risk without implementing a protective step, so it isn’t a proper risk response.