The Importance Of Addressing Now AI’s Hidden Dependencies And Risks

LeadershipLeadership StrategiesThe Importance Of Addressing Now AI’s Hidden Dependencies And RisksByGary Drenik,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Gary Drenik is a writer covering AI, analytics and innovation.Follow AuthorMay 12, 2026, 10:00am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Artificial IntelligenceVithun Khamsong - Getty ImagesUsing AI can seem like magic – type a prompt, create an automated process, or give a command and the answer just appears. However, the growth, power, and ease of use of AI masks the resources required to underpin it. Every AI model rests on a substantial industrial backbone of minerals, manufacturing, electricity, and water, particularly when it comes to the data centers that deliver the necessary computing power to drive it. This is accelerating investments in this area. For example, research from S&P Global found that over $61 billion flowed into the data center market in 2025. And usage continues to grow at a business and personal level. According to a recent survey from my company, Prosper Insights & Analytics survey, 54.4% of executives already use generative AI, with a further 19.6% looking to experience it going forward.Prosper - Heard of Generative AIProsper Insights & AnalyticsNearly half (48.6%) of all Americans over 18 have used generative AI for research.Prosper - Use Generative Artificial Intelligence ForProsper Insights & AnalyticsUnderstanding the risks of AIWith AI becoming more embedded in business life, organizations need to better understand its risks. Traditionally, these have focused on areas such as avoiding algorithm bias, protecting data privacy, and finding sufficient relevant and high-quality data for training AI models.MORE FOR YOUHowever, widescale AI adoption brings new risks for businesses, as Dr. Albert Meige, Global Director of Arthur D. Little’s (ADL’s) Blue Sh...