algorithm
Computational procedure or model used in administrative decisions.
How the laws define this
Regulatory definitions agree on a baseline concept: an algorithm is a set of rules, instructions, or computational procedures applied by a computer or software to process data, solve problems, or perform tasks. The primary point of divergence lies in whether the definition remains a broad technical description or is restricted to specific applied contexts. Frameworks such as Texas HB 2060, Ofcom's 2026/27 AI Strategy, and an act amending Tennessee Code Title 1 maintain a purely technical focus, defining algorithms universally as step-by-step procedures or formulas for accomplishing computational tasks. In contrast, other instruments narrow the term to sector-specific decision-making activities. For example, Colorado Senate Bill 21-169 restricts the scope to computational processes that inform insurance practices like underwriting, pricing, and claims, while the Proposal for Parliamentary Resolution (B 136) limits algorithms to code and procedures that contribute specifically to administrative decisions in casework.
Synthesised from the 15 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
How jurisdictions differ
What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first. Showing 10 of the 15 instruments that define this term; all are listed under Definitions below.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado, United States | Colorado SB 21-169 - AI in Insurance Underwriting | In Force (Amended) | Limits algorithms to those used in insurance practices like underwriting, pricing, claims, and marketing to inform human decision making. |
| Tennessee, United States | AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, relative to certain conditions of personhood. | In Force | Adds that algorithms are fundamental to AI systems processing data, learning, and making decisions. |
| Asturias, Spain | Decree 98/2025, of July 22, regulating the use of Artificial Intelligence in the Administration of the Principality of Asturias and its public sector | In Force | Emphasizes encompassing computational logic underlying AI system behavior for oversight, documentation, and auditability. |
| United Kingdom | Ofcom's 2026/27 AI Strategy | In Force | Specifies algorithms as precise sequences of instructions computers follow to achieve outcomes, fundamental in AI for data processing, pattern learning, predictions, and decisions. |
| Netherlands | Guidelines for the Application of Algorithms and Data Analysis by Governmental Organizations | In Force | Broadly defines to cover rule-based systems and machine-learning models that process input data to predict, rank, recommend, or classify outcomes. |
| Texas, United States | Texas HB 2060 - Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council | Repealed | Limits to computerized procedures with finite, well-defined, unambiguous steps serving as building blocks for computational processes including AI. |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | Amsterdam Algorithm Register | In Force | Includes mathematical models alongside instructions for computers to process data and produce outputs like predictions, recommendations, or decisions. |
| Argentina | File 2505-D-2023 – Research, Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence | Proposed | Specifies instructions, mathematical rules, and procedures used by AI systems to scope documentation, explainability, and auditability requirements. |
| South Korea | AI Responsibility and Regulation Bill | Withdrawn | Adds applicability to operating devices alongside problem solving and tasks to clarify regulated computational procedures in AI. |
| British Columbia, Canada | Draft Artificial Intelligence Responsible Use Principles | Draft | Adds that algorithms guide processing and interpretation of information as systems learn from data and make decisions in AI. |
Definitions (15)
Any computational procedure, model or code (including machine learning models) that processes data and contributes to administrative decisions; encompasses the logic, models and code that produce algorithmic outputs used in casework.
A computational or machine-learning process used to inform, support, or provide input to human decision making in insurance practices, as contemplated by the statute. The term captures automated decision logic and model-driven computations employed in underwriting, pricing, claims, marketing, or other insurance activities.
A broadly defined set of rules, instructions or procedures that process input data to calculate, predict, rank, recommend or classify outcomes. The Guidelines use this functional definition to cover both rule‑based systems and machine‑learning models used by public organisations.
The defined set of instructions, mathematical rules, and procedures used by an AI system to process data, solve problems, or make decisions; the bill uses this definition to scope documentation, explainability, and auditability requirements.
Used to describe automated or semi-automated decision‑making systems that process personal data and produce predictions, classifications or recommendations; the guidance frames algorithms in practical terms to assess their data‑protection implications.
For the register, an "algorithm" is a set of rules, instructions or computational procedures applied by software to process data and produce outputs that influence decisions or policy outcomes; this scope includes non‑self‑learning deterministic systems, predictive models, statistical scoring tools and AI systems.
An organized set of computational steps, rules, or logic used for problem solving, executing tasks, or operating devices; defined in the bill to clarify the scope of regulated computational procedures underlying AI systems.
A defined set of rules or procedures followed to perform a task or solve a problem, encompassing the computational logic that underlies AI system behavior. The decree defines the term to clarify the scope of oversight, documentation, and auditability obligations.
An algorithm is a set of rules or instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task. In AI, algorithms are fundamental to how systems learn from data and make decisions, guiding the processing and interpretation of information.
A computerized procedure consisting of a set of steps used to accomplish a determined task.
An algorithm is a computerized procedure consisting of a finite set of well-defined, unambiguous steps used to accomplish a determined task. It serves as the fundamental building block for many computational processes, including those within artificial intelligence systems.
A set of instructions or mathematical models used by a computer to process data and produce an output, such as a prediction, recommendation, or decision.
A step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem or accomplishing a task, especially by a computer. In AI, algorithms are fundamental to how systems process data, learn, and make decisions.
In the context of SB21-169, an algorithm is a systematic process, often computational, that utilizes external consumer data and information sources to inform or automate decisions in various insurance practices, such as underwriting, pricing, and claims management.
Algorithms are precise sequences of instructions or rules that a computer system follows to achieve a specific outcome or solve a computational problem. In the context of AI, algorithms are fundamental to how AI systems process data, learn patterns, and make predictions or decisions.
Not to be confused with
Algorithmic/systemic intervention refers specifically to software-supported decision or advisory processes affecting citizens or services, while algorithm is broader.
Algorithmic decision-making denotes automated or semi-automated processes producing decisions or profiles, whereas algorithm covers the underlying rules or procedures.
Questions and answers
What obligations apply to algorithms in Colorado insurance?
Insurers cannot use algorithms causing unfair discrimination. Risk frameworks and bias tests are required.
How does the Netherlands define algorithms for public sector use?
Algorithms are sets of rules processing data to calculate, predict, rank, recommend, or classify, covering rule-based and machine-learning models. The definition guides transparency and auditability principles.
What is distinctive about algorithm definitions in AI registers?
Registers like Amsterdam's and the Dutch National one define algorithms to include systems producing outputs influencing decisions, describing public documentation for transparency.
Related Terms
Algorithm (for the register)
Set of rules/instructions used by software to process data and influence decisions....
automated decision‑making
Decisions where algorithmic outputs materially inform or determine outcomes....
algorithmic/systemic intervention
A software‑supported decision or advisory process affecting citizens or services....
traitement algorithmique
Algorithmic processing contributing to decision-making....
Algorithmic decision‑making
Automated or semi‑automated processes that produce decisions or profiles....