AI tool
Any computer software that uses artificial intelligence in its processing.
How the laws define this
Both frameworks establish that an AI tool centers on software or systems performing operations driven by artificial intelligence or exhibiting intelligent behaviour. The primary divergence between them lies in their level of detail, scope, and direct reference to regulatory principles. The Artificial Intelligence Security Policy (DWP) relies on a high-level, simple standard, defining an AI tool straightforwardly as any computer software that uses artificial intelligence in its processing. Conversely, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner — Guidance/Expectations on the use of AI (privacy guidance) sets out a broad working definition structured around distinct practical applications. It explicitly itemizes specific categories, including machine learning models trained on data, classifiers, speech-to-text or image captioning interpreters, text, image, or code generative systems, and automated decision systems. Additionally, the privacy guidance uniquely highlights lifecycle compliance by explicitly noting that these tools potentially engage Information Privacy Principles across their entire lifecycle.
Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
Definitions (2)
Any computer software that uses artificial intelligence in its processing.
A broad working definition used by the guidance to cover systems that perform tasks that appear to exhibit intelligent behaviour, including machine learning models trained on data, classifiers, interpreters (speech-to-text, image captioning), generative systems (text, image, code) and automated decision systems. The guidance treats these systems as potentially engaging the Information Privacy Principles across their lifecycle.