International Definitions
of Artificial Intelligence
By IAPP Research and Insights
Computer scientist John McCarthy coined the term artificial intelligence in 1955, defining
it as "the science and engineering of making intelligent machines." He organized the
Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence a year later ­— an event that
many consider the birthplace of the field.
In today's world, the definition of AI has been in continuous evolution, its contours and
constraints changing to align with current and perhaps future technological progress and
cultural contexts. In fact, most papers and articles are quick to point out the lack of common
consensus around the definition of AI. As a resource from British research organization the Ada
Lovelace Institute states, "We recognise that the terminology in this area is contested. This is a
fast-moving topic, and we expect that terminology will evolve quickly." The difficulty in defining
AI is illustrated by what AI historian Pamela McCorduck called the "odd paradox," referring
to the idea that, as computer scientists find new and innovative solutions, computational
techniques once considered AI lose the title as they become common and repetitive.
The indeterminate nature of the term poses particular challenges in the regulatory space.
Indeed, in 2017 a New York City Council task force downgraded its mission to regulate the city's
use of automated decision-making systems to just defining the types of systems subject to
regulation because it could not agree on a workable, legal definition of AI.
With this understanding, the following chart provides a snapshot of some of the definitions of
AI from various global and sectoral (government, civil society and industry) perspectives. The
chart is not an exhaustive list. It allows for cross-contextual comparisons from key players in
the AI ecosystem. We welcome feedback and input on any additional sources — please feel
free to reach out to the contacts provided at the end of this resource.
Last updated August 2023.
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LEGISLATION AND LEGAL INSTRUMENTS
Jurisdiction Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
Brazil
2023  • DRAFT
Bill to Establish a Comprehensive
Framework for Ethical and
Responsible Use of AI Systems
A computer system, with different degrees of autonomy, designed to infer how to achieve a given set of
objectives, using learning-based approaches from machine and/or logic and knowledge representation,
through data from input from machines or humans, with the aim of producing predictions, recommendations
or decisions that may influence the environment virtual or real.
	→ This definition has been unofficially translated from Portuguese.
Canada
2023  • DRAFT
Artificial Intelligence and Data Act
A technological system that, autonomously or partly autonomously, processes data related to human
activities through the use of a genetic algorithm, a neural network, machine learning or another technique in
order to generate content or make decisions, recommendations or predictions.
U.S.
2023  • DRAFT
National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2024
A machine-based system that can for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions,
recommendations or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. Artificial intelligence systems
use machine and human-based inputs to:
a.	 Perceive real and virtual environments.
b.	 Abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner.
c.	 Use model inference to formulate options for information or action.
	→ This legislation adopts the definition published in National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020,
which is currently in force.
E.U.
2022  • DRAFT
Artificial Intelligence Act
A system that is designed to operate with elements of autonomy and that, based on machine and/or
human-provided data and inputs, infers how to achieve a given set of human-defined objectives using
machine learning and/or logic- and knowledge based approaches, and produces system-generated outputs
such as content (generative AI systems), predictions, recommendations or decisions, influencing the
environments with which the AI system interacts.
*All definitions in this document are direct quotations from the linked sources.
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LEGISLATION AND LEGAL INSTRUMENTS
Jurisdiction Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
E.U.
2021  • DRAFT
European Commission, Proposal for a
Regulation of the European Parliament
and of the Council: Laying Down
Harmonised Rules on AI and Amending
Certain Union Legislative Acts
Software that is developed with one or more of the techniques and approaches listed in Annex I and can, for
a given set of human-defined objectives, generate outputs such as content, predictions, recommendations,
or decisions influencing the environments they interact with.
Annex I, AI techniques and approaches, includes:
a.	 Machine learning approaches, including supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning, using
a wide variety of methods including deep learning.
b.	 Logic- and knowledge-based approaches, including knowledge representation, inductive (logic)
programming, knowledge bases, inference and deductive engines, (symbolic) reasoning and
expert systems.
c.	 Statistical approaches, Bayesian estimation, search and optimization methods.
	→ This definition was worked into the current draft definition for the EU AI Act.
U.K.
2021  •  IN FORCE
National Security and Investment Act
Technology enabling the programming or training of a device or software to:
a.	 Perceive environments through the use of data.
b.	 Interpret data using automated processing designed to approximate cognitive abilities.
c.	 Make recommendations, predictions or decisions; with a view to achieving a specific objective.
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LEGISLATION AND LEGAL INSTRUMENTS
Jurisdiction Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
U.S.
2020  • DRAFT
Fundamentally Understanding the
Usability and Realistic Evolution
of Artificial Intelligence Act
a.	 Any artificial systems that perform tasks under varying and unpredictable circumstances, without
significant human oversight, or that can learn from their experience and improve their performance.
Such systems may be developed in computer software, physical hardware, or other contexts not yet
contemplated. They may solve tasks requiring human-like perception, cognition, planning, learning,
communication, or physical action. In general, the more human-like the system within the context of
its tasks, the more it can be said to use artificial intelligence.
b.	 Systems that think like humans, such as cognitive architectures and neural networks.
c.	 Systems that act like humans, such as systems that can pass the Turing test or other comparable test
via natural language processing, knowledge representation, automated reasoning, and learning.
d.	 A set of techniques, including machine learning, that seek to approximate some cognitive task.
e.	 Systems that act rationally, such as intelligent software agents and embodied robots that achieve
goals via perception, planning, reasoning, learning, communicating, decision-making, and acting.
	→ A version of this legislation was introduced in both the Senate and House but it never left the committee stage.
	→ This definition is very similar to the definition asserted in the enacted National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2019. Two recently introduced pieces of legislation, S. 2293, the AI Leadership to Enable Accountable
Deployment Act, and S. 1353, the Advancing American AI Act, point to this 2019 definition as well.
Organisation for
Economic Co-operation
and Development
2019
OECD Legal Instrument,
Recommendation of the Council
on Artificial Intelligence
A machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions,
recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. AI systems are designed to
operate with varying levels of autonomy.
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GUIDANCE, STANDARDS AND VOLUNTARY FRAMEWORKS
Jurisdiction Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
Council of Europe
2023
AI glossary
A set of sciences, theories and techniques whose purpose is to reproduce by a machine the cognitive abilities
of a human being. Current developments aim to be able to entrust a machine with complex tasks previously
delegated to a human.
	→ This definition is followed by a paragraph differentiating strong AI from weak AI.
United Arab Emirates
2023
AI Adoption Guidelines in
Government Services
Systems or machines that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks and can iteratively improve themselves
based on the data they collect.
	→ The UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs Prime Minister's Office provides an official translation of the report from
Arabic. The term is unofficially defined in the report.
U.K.
2023
Information Commissioner's
Office, UK GDPR guidance and
resources: Definitions
An umbrella term for a range of algorithm-based technologies that solve complex tasks by carrying out
functions that previously required human thinking. Decisions made using AI are either fully automated,
or with a "human in the loop."
U.S.
2023
National Artificial Intelligence Research
Resource Task Force, Strengthening
and Democratizing the U.S. Artificial
Intelligence Innovation Ecosystem: An
Implementation Plan for a National
Artificial Intelligence Research Resource
A machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions,
recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. (AI) systems use machine and
human-based inputs to:
a.	 Perceive real and virtual environments.
b.	 Abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner.
c.	 Use model inference to formulate options for information or action.
World Intellectual
Property Organization
2023
Frequently asked questions:
AI and IP policy
There is no universal definition of artificial intelligence. AI is generally considered to be a discipline of
computer science that is aimed at developing machines and systems that can carry out tasks considered to
require human intelligence. Machine learning and deep learning are two subsets of AI. In recent years, with
the development of new neural network techniques and hardware, AI is usually perceived as a synonym for
"deep supervised machine learning."
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GUIDANCE, STANDARDS AND VOLUNTARY FRAMEWORKS
Jurisdiction Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
Japan
2022
AI Governance Guidelines Working
Group, Governance Guidelines for
the Practice of AI Principles
A system that is developed with a machine learning approach, including supervised, unsupervised and
reinforcement learning, using a wide variety of methods including deep learning and that can, for a given
set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual
environments. AI systems are designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy. It includes not only
software but also a machine which contains software as an element.
	→ The report also notes if a system that replaces human decision-making is used, the guidelines could still apply
even if machine learning is not explicitly used to train the system.
	→ This is an official translation of the report from Japanese.
U.S.
2022
White House Office of Science
and Technology, Blueprint for
an AI Bill of Rights
Automated systems that have the potential to meaningfully impact the American public's rights,
opportunities, or access to critical resources or services.
An "automated system" is any system, software, or process that uses computation as whole or part of
a system to determine outcomes, make or aid decisions, inform policy implementation, collect data or
observations, or otherwise interact with individuals and/or communities. Automated systems include, but
are not limited to, systems derived from machine learning, statistics, or other data processing or artificial
intelligence techniques, and exclude passive computing infrastructure. … Throughout this framework,
automated systems that are considered in scope are only those that have the potential to meaningfully
impact individuals' or communities' rights, opportunities, or access.
	→ This definition emphasizes technology systems that impact individuals' or communities' rights.
China
2021
National Information Security
Standardisation Technical Committee
of China, Practice Guide on AI Ethical
Security Risk Prevention
The simulation, extension or expansion of human intelligence by means of perceiving the environment,
acquiring knowledge, derivation and deduction using computers or the equipment controlled by them.
	→ The translation of this term from Chinese is copied from the British Standards Institute Ethical and Trustworthy
AI report.
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GUIDANCE, STANDARDS AND VOLUNTARY FRAMEWORKS
Jurisdiction Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
Colombia
2021
Ethical Framework for Artificial
Intelligence in Colombia
A field of computer science dedicated to solving cognitive problems commonly associated with human
intelligence or intelligent beings, understood as those that can adapt to changing situations. Its basis is the
development of computer systems, the availability of data and algorithms.
	→ The report acknowledges there are many definitions of AI and provides the quoted definition as a summary.
	→ There is an official translation of the report from Spanish.
India
2021
National Institution for Transforming
India, Responsible AI #AIFORALL:
Approach document for India
A constellation of technologies that enable machines to act with higher levels of intelligence and emulate
the human capabilities of sense, comprehend and act. Computer vision and audio processing can
actively perceive the world around them by acquiring and processing images, sound and speech. The
natural language processing and inference engines can enable AI systems to analyse and understand the
information collected. An AI system can also take decisions through inference engines or undertake actions
in the physical world. These capabilities are augmented by the ability to learn from experience and keep
adapting over time.
U.N.
2021
UNESCO, Recommendation
on the Ethics of AI
Systems which have the capacity to process data and information in a way that resembles intelligent
behavior, and typically includes aspects of reasoning, learning, perception, prediction, planning or control.
AI systems are information-processing technologies that integrate models and algorithms that produce a
capacity to learn and to perform cognitive tasks leading to outcomes such as prediction and decision-making
in material and virtual environments. AI systems are designed to operate with varying degrees of autonomy
by means of knowledge modelling and representation and by exploiting data and calculating correlations. AI
systems may include several methods, such as but not limited to:
a.	 Machine learning, including deep learning and reinforcement learning.
b.	 Machine reasoning, including planning, scheduling, knowledge representation and reasoning search,
and optimization.
	→ This definition is prefaced by the following note: "This Recommendation does not have the ambition to
provide one single definition of AI, since such a definition would need to change over time, in accordance with
technological developments. Rather, its ambition is to address those features of AI systems that are of central
ethical relevance."
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GUIDANCE, STANDARDS AND VOLUNTARY FRAMEWORKS
Jurisdiction Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
U.K.
2021
National AI Strategy
Machines that perform tasks normally performed by human intelligence, especially when the machines learn
from data how to do those tasks.
	→ The term is unofficially defined in the report.
Singapore
2020
Model AI Governance
Framework Second Edition
A set of technologies that seek to simulate human traits such as knowledge, reasoning, problem solving,
perception, learning and planning, and, depending on the AI model, produce an output or decision (such as a
prediction, recommendation, and/or classification). AI technologies rely on AI algorithms to generate models.
The most appropriate model(s) is/are selected and deployed in a production system.
	→ The framework includes a disclaimer that this is a nonauthoritative and nonexhaustive definition.
Spain
2020
Agencia Española de Protección
de Datos, GDPR compliance or
processings that embed Artificial
Intelligence: An Introduction
The capacity of a machine to act in a way that a human mind would, including the aspect of creativity and
capacity to perform complex analyses and inferences from complex and even incomplete information.
	→ The report prefaces this definition by saying there are many ways to define AI and this is one way to summarize
some of those definitions.
	→ The Spanish Data Protection Agency provides an official translation of the report from Spanish.
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GUIDANCE, STANDARDS AND VOLUNTARY FRAMEWORKS
Jurisdiction Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office
2020
Inventing AI: Tracing the diffusion of
artificial intelligence with U.S. patents
One or more of eight component technologies (listed below). These components span software, hardware,
and applications, and a single patent document may contain multiple AI component technologies.
	• Planning/control
	• Knowledge processing
	• Speech
	• AI hardware
	• Evolutionary computation
	• Natural language processing
	• Machine learning
	• Vision
Australia
2019
Artificial Intelligence Roadmap
A collection of interrelated technologies used to solve problems autonomously and perform tasks to achieve
defined objectives, in some cases without explicit guidance from a human being. Subfields of AI includes
machine learning, computer vision, human language technologies, robotics, knowledge representation and
other scientific fields. The power of AI comes from a convergence of technologies.
	→ The term is unofficially defined in the executive summary.
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GUIDANCE, STANDARDS AND VOLUNTARY FRAMEWORKS
Jurisdiction Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
European Commission
2019
The High-Level Expert Group
on AI, A Definition of AI: Main
Capabilities and Disciplines
Software (and possibly also hardware) systems designed by humans that, given a complex goal, act in the
physical or digital dimension by perceiving their environment through data acquisition, interpreting the
collected structured or unstructured data, reasoning on the knowledge, or processing the information,
derived from this data and deciding the best action(s) to take to achieve the given goal. AI systems can
either use symbolic rules or learn a numeric model, and they can also adapt their behaviour by analysing
how the environment is affected by their previous actions.
As a scientific discipline, AI includes several approaches and techniques, such as machine learning (of
which deep learning and reinforcement learning are specific examples), machine reasoning (which includes
planning, scheduling, knowledge representation and reasoning, search, and optimization), and robotics
(which includes control, perception, sensors and actuators, as well as the integration of all other techniques
into cyber-physical systems).
	→ This definition is also featured by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights in their 2020 report Getting the Future
Right: AI and Fundamental Rights.
Japan
2019
Conference Toward AI Network Society,
AI Utilization Guidelines
"AI" refers to a concept that collectively refers to AI software and AI systems.
"AI software" refers to software that has the function to change its own implementation or output in the
process of utilization, by learning from data, information, and knowledge; or by other methods. For example,
machine learning software is classified into this category.
"AI system" refers to systems that incorporate AI software as a component. For example, robots and cloud
systems that implement AI software are classified under this category.
	→ There is a note that this definition applies mainly to narrow AI but the definition of the term "needs to be
continuously discussed based on the trends of technological progress of AI."
	→ The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications provides a tentative translation of the report
from Japanese.
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GUIDANCE, STANDARDS AND VOLUNTARY FRAMEWORKS
Jurisdiction Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
OECD
2019
OECD Digital Economy, Scoping the OECD
AI principles: Deliberations of the expert
group on artificial intelligence at the OECD
A machine-based system that is capable of influencing the environment by making recommendations,
predictions or decisions for a given set of objectives. It does so by utilising machine and/or human-based
inputs/data to:
a.	 Perceive real and/or virtual environments.
b.	 Abstract such perceptions into models manually or automatically.
c.	 Use model interpretations to formulate options for outcomes.
South Korea
2019
National Strategy for
Artificial Intelligence
A science and technology that performs human intellectual functions with machines.
	→ The term is unofficially defined in the Understanding AI reference section.
Europe
2018
European Commission for the
Efficiency of Justice, European Ethical
Charter on the use of Artificial
Intelligence in Judicial Systems and
their Environment
A set of scientific methods, theories and techniques whose aim is to reproduce, by a machine, the cognitive
abilities of human beings. Current developments seek to have machines perform complex tasks previously
carried out by humans.
However, the term (AI) is criticised by experts who distinguish between "strong" AIs (yet able to
contextualise specialised and varied problems in a completely autonomous manner) and "weak" or
"moderate" AIs (high performance in their field of training). Some experts argue that "strong" AIs would
require significant advances in basic research, and not just simple improvements in the performance of
existing systems, to be able to model the world as a whole.
The tools identified in this document are developed using machine learning methods, i. e. "weak" AIs.
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GUIDANCE, STANDARDS AND VOLUNTARY FRAMEWORKS
Jurisdiction Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
Germany
2018
German Federal Government,
National AI Strategy
There is no definition of AI which (is) generally valid or used consistently by all stakeholders. The Federal
Government's AI Strategy is based on the following understanding of AI:
In highly abstract terms, AI researchers can be assigned to two groups: "strong" and "weak" AI. "Strong" AI
means that AI systems have the same intellectual capabilities as humans, or even exceed them. "Weak" AI
is focused on the solution of specific problems using methods from mathematics and computer science,
whereby the systems developed are capable of self-optimization. To this end, aspects of human intelligence
are mapped and formally described, and systems are designed to simulate and support human thinking.
	→ The following paragraph qualifies that the National AI Strategy is focused on "weak" AI, which is used to solve
specific problems. This includes deduction systems, knowledge-based systems, e.g. software that simulates
expert knowledge, pattern analysis and recognition, robotics, and multimodal human-machine interaction, e.g.
visual and language processing.
Norway
2018
Datatilsynet, Artificial
Intelligence and Privacy
The concept used to describe computer systems that are able to learn from their own experiences and solve
complex problems in different situations — abilities we previously thought were unique to mankind. And it is
data, in many cases personal data, that fuels these systems, enabling them to learn and become intelligent.
U.S.
2018
Summary of the 2018 Department of
Defense AI Strategy: Harnessing AI to
Advance Our Security and Prosperity
The ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence — for example,
recognizing patterns, learning from experience, drawing conclusions, making predictions, or taking action —
whether digitally or as the smart software behind autonomous physical systems.
	→ The term is unofficially defined in the introduction.
International
Organization for
Standardization
International
Electrotechnical
Commission
2015
ISO/IEC 2382:2015(en), Information
technology: Vocabulary
An interdisciplinary field, usually regarded as a branch of computer science, dealing with models and
systems for the performance of functions generally associated with human intelligence, such as reasoning
and learning.
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CIVIL SOCIETY AND ACADEMIA
Organization Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
Ada Lovelace Institute
2023
Explainer: What is a foundation model?
The use of digital technology to create systems capable of performing tasks commonly thought to require
intelligence. AI is constantly evolving, which means its properties and uses change. Two stable characteristics
are that it:
a.	 Involves machines that use statistical methods to find patterns in large amounts of data.
b.	 Enables a machine to perform repetitive tasks with data without the need for constant
human guidance.
	→ The article notes this definition is from the UK Government Data Ethics Framework and provides the disclaimer
that this definition is a "snapshot in time," as terminology is socially constructed and influenced by the context
surrounding the term.
American Civil
Liberties Union
2023
Accountability in Artificial Intelligence
Computer models, or algorithms, that are widely used for automated decision making — analyzing massive
amounts of data, finding correlations and then making predictions about future outcomes.
	→ The term is unofficially defined on the ACLU Racial Justice Program's AI homepage.
The Human
Technology Institute
at the University of
Technology Sydney
2023
A Report on the State of AI
Governance in Australia
A collective term for machine-based or digital systems that use machine or human-provided inputs to
perform advanced tasks for a human-defined objective, such as producing predictions, advice, inferences,
decisions, or generating content.
Some AI systems operate autonomously and can use machine learning to improve and learn from new data
continuously. Other AI systems are designed to be subject to a "human in the loop" who can approve or
override the system's outputs. AI systems can be custom developed for a specific organizational purpose.
Many are embedded in products or deployed by suppliers in upstream or outsourced services.
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CIVIL SOCIETY AND ACADEMIA
Organization Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
International
Telecommunications
Industry
2023
Artificial Intelligence for good
A rich set of methods and disciplines, including vision, perception, speech and dialogue, decisions and
planning, problem solving, robotics and other applications that enable self-learning. AI is best viewed as a
set of technologies and techniques used to complement traditional human attributes, such as intelligence,
analytical ability and other capabilities.
	→ The webpage also notes "there are various approaches to defining AI:
a. In terms of technologies, techniques and/or approaches (e.g., a neural network approach to
machine translation).
b. In terms of purpose (facial recognition, image recognition).
c. In terms of functions (e.g., the ability to understand language, recognize pictures, solve problems, and learn,
according to the Cambridge Dictionary).
d. In terms of agents or machines or algorithms (e.g., robots, self-driving cars)."
Alan Turing Institute
2022
Artificial intelligence in government:
Concepts, standards, and a
unified framework
A data-driven, machine-based system that can complete — with some degree of autonomy and learning
ability — a specific cognitive task (or set of tasks), using [machine learning], agent computing, or
related techniques.
	→ This paper has a full discussion about the considerations for defining AI for regulatory and government use.
Institute of Electrical
and Electronics
Engineers
(United States)
2022
Leon Reznik, Intelligent Security
Systems: How Artificial Intelligence,
Machine Learning and Data
Science Work for and Against
Computer Security
Interdisciplinary field, usually regarded as a branch of computer science, dealing with models and systems for
the performance of functions generally associated with human intelligence, such as reasoning and learning.
	→ This definition is also featured in the National Institute of Standards and Technology's The Language of
Trustworthy AI: An In-Depth Glossary of Terms.
Stanford University
Human-Centered
Artificial Intelligence
2022
Artificial Intelligence Definitions
A term coined in 1955 by John McCarthy, Stanford's first faculty member in AI, who defined it as "the science
and engineering of making intelligent machines." Much research has human program software agents with
the knowledge to behave in a particular way, like playing chess, but today, we emphasize agents that can
learn, just as human beings navigating our changing world.
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CIVIL SOCIETY AND ACADEMIA
Organization Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
World Health
Organization
2021
Ethics & Governance of Artificial
Intelligence for Health
A machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions,
recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. AI systems are designed to
operate with varying levels of autonomy.
Brookings Institute
2020
The Brookings glossary of AI
and emerging technologies
Indian engineers Shukla Shubhendu and Jaiswal Vijay define AI as "machines that respond to stimulation
consistent with traditional responses from humans, given the human capacity for contemplation, judgment,
and intention." This definition emphasizes several qualities that separate AI from mechanical devices or
traditional computer software—specifically intentionality, intelligence, and adaptability. AI-based computer
systems can learn from data, text, or images and make intentional and intelligent decisions based on
that analysis.
Future of Privacy Forum
2018
The Privacy Expert's Guide to Artificial
Intelligence and Machine Learning
The capability of computer processing systems to perform functions otherwise defined as those requiring
human intelligence to accomplish.
University of Pretoria
2018
Artificial intelligence for Africa: An
opportunity for growth, development,
and democratisation
A constellation of technologies that enable machines to act with higher levels of intelligence and emulate
human capabilities to sense, comprehend, and act. These human capabilities are augmented by the ability to
learn from experience and adapt over time.
The International
Journal of Scientific
Engineering and
Research
2013
Shukla Shubhendu and Jaiswal Vijay,
Applicability of artificial intelligence
in different fields of life
The study of ideas to bring into being machines that respond to stimulation consistent with traditional
responses from humans, given the human capacity for contemplation, judgment and intention. Each such
machine should engage in critical appraisal and selection of differing opinions within itself. Produced
by human skill and labor, these machines should conduct themselves in agreement with life, spirit and
sensitivity, though in reality, they are imitations.
	→ This definition is also featured in NIST's The Language of Trustworthy AI: An In-Depth Glossary of Terms.
International Definitions of Artificial Intelligence  •  International Association of Privacy Professionals  •  iapp.org	 17
Navigate to:  Legislation and legal instruments  |  Guidance, standards and voluntary frameworks  |  Civil society and academia  |  Industry
INDUSTRY
Company Published source Definition of AI or AI system*
Amazon Web Services What is artificial intelligence?
The field of computer science dedicated to solving cognitive problems commonly associated with human
intelligence, such as learning, problem solving, and pattern recognition.
Cisco
Artificial intelligence and machine
learning topic page
A field of study that gives computers human-like intelligence when performing a task. When applied to
complex IT operations, AI assists with making better, faster decisions and enabling process automation.
	→ Page also states: "It's not uncommon for some to confuse (AI) with machine learning which is one of the most
important categories of AI. (ML) can be described as the ability to continuously 'statistically learn' from data
without explicit programming."
Google Machine learning glossary
A non-human program or model that can solve sophisticated tasks. For example, a program or model
that translates text or a program or model that identifies diseases from radiologic images both exhibit
artificial intelligence.
Formally, machine learning is a sub-field of artificial intelligence. However, in recent years, some organizations
have begun using the terms artificial intelligence and machine learning interchangeably.
IBM Artificial intelligence topic page
A field, which combines computer science and robust datasets, to enable problem-solving. It also
encompasses sub-fields of machine learning and deep learning, which are frequently mentioned in
conjunction with artificial intelligence. These disciplines are comprised of AI algorithms which seek to
create expert systems which make predictions or classifications based on input data.
	→ Term is unofficially defined in the answer to: "What is artificial intelligence?"
Microsoft AI explained topic page
The ability of a computer system to deal with ambiguity, by making predictions using previously gathered
data, and learning from errors in those predictions in order to generate newer, more accurate predictions
about how to behave in the future.
Samsung AI overview page
A branch of computer science that studies how to apply intelligent human-like behavior to mechanical
systems. In other words, artificial intelligence makes mechanical systems like computers and robots think
like humans do. When artificial intelligence is given a task, it selects an appropriate answer by collecting and
analyzing information from its surrounding environment, and if it makes a mistake, it learns alternatives so it
can do better next time.
Contact
Amy Olivero
Westin Research Fellow, IAPP
aolivero@iapp.org
Uzma Chaudhry
AI Governance Center Fellow, IAPP
uchaudhry@iapp.org
Joe Jones
Research and Insights Director, IAPP
jjones@iapp.org
For further inquiries, please reach out to research@iapp.org.
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D  C  Q  E
Published September 2023.
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