Technical

Artificial Intelligence

A machine-based system defined in Michigan's Campaign Finance Act.

How the laws define this

Regulatory bodies widely agree that artificial intelligence centers on machine-based or computer systems designed to simulate human cognitive functions—such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving—to process data, perceive environments, and generate outputs like predictions, recommendations, or decisions. However, these formulations diverge significantly in scope depending on whether they establish a technology-neutral baseline or restrict coverage to narrow application contexts. General operational frameworks, such as the Georgia State AI Governance and Use Guidance and the N.C. State Government Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Framework, define artificial intelligence broadly as systems inferring from inputs to influence physical or virtual environments with varying levels of autonomy. Conversely, targeted statutes limit their definitions to specific uses, such as the Illinois Artificial Intelligence Video Interview Act, which restricts coverage to systems analyzing job applicants' video interviews, or South Dakota SB 164 - Deepfakes Regulation, which anchors the term to systems capable of generating content or outputs within deepfake enforcement.

Synthesised from the 78 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 84 instruments that define this term; all are listed under Definitions below.

JurisdictionInstrumentStatusWhat is distinctive
South KoreaFramework Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Establishment of TrustIn ForceDefines AI as electronic implementation of human intellectual abilities like learning, reasoning, perception, judgment, and language understanding.
Michigan, United StatesDistribution of materially deceptive media; prohibition; violation; misdemeanor; penalties; injunctive relief; definitions (Michigan Election Law §168.932f) — Public Act 265 of 2023 (HB 5144)In ForceReferences Michigan Campaign Finance Act definition without restating it, generally referring to machine-based systems making predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing environments.
South Dakota, United StatesSouth Dakota SB 164 - Deepfakes RegulationIn ForceBroadly characterizes AI as machine-based systems capable of generating content or outputs.
Alabama, United StatesAlabama HB 172 - Deepfakes in ElectionsIn ForceDefines AI as any artificial system or generative AI system performing tasks under varying circumstances without significant human oversight or learning from data sets.
Utah, United StatesS.B. 131 Information Technology Act AmendmentsIn ForceBroadly defines AI as machine-based system making predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing environments based on human-defined objectives.
New Jersey, United StatesAn Act concerning the development of artificial intelligence innovations, ventures, and facilities, and amending and supplementing P.L.2020, c.156.In ForceIncludes development of software/hardware and end-use applications performing tasks requiring human intelligence like visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, translation, and generative AI.
BrazilSmart Sampa Program - São Paulo AI Surveillance and Smart City ProgramIn ForceLimits AI to advanced algorithms for facial recognition, behavioral analysis, and intelligent alerts in Smart Sampa surveillance context.
ChinaShenzhen Special Economic Zone Artificial Intelligence Industry Promotion RegulationIn ForceDefines AI as simulation, extension, or expansion of human intelligence by perceiving environment, acquiring knowledge, or deducing with computers or devices.
Arkansas, United StatesArkansas HB 1071 - Right of Publicity and AIIn ForceFocuses on simulation of human intelligence processes including learning, reasoning, self-correction, especially for generating or simulating human likenesses and voices.
California, United StatesCalifornia AB 2355 - AI Disclosure in Political AdvertisingIn ForceDefines AI as engineered or machine-based system varying in autonomy that infers from input to generate outputs influencing environments.

What it triggers

  • In Michigan, under Public Act 265 of 2023, distribution of materially deceptive media including AI deepfakes within 90 days of an election without disclaimers is prohibited.source
  • In South Dakota, under SB 164, undisclosed dissemination of election deepfakes intended to injure a candidate within 90 days of an election is prohibited with misdemeanor penalties.source
  • In Alabama, under HB 172, distribution of deceptive AI-generated deepfakes within 90 days of an election by individuals and campaigns is prohibited with required disclaimers.source
  • In California, under AB 2355, political committees must disclose when artificial intelligence is used to generate or alter political advertisements.source

Definitions (84)

As defined in section 2 of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act, 1976 PA 388, MCL 169.202. Generally refers to machine-based systems that can make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing environments.

Artificial intelligence, as defined by HB 887, refers to a machine-based system capable of generating predictions, recommendations, or decisions that influence a real or virtual environment, based on a given set of human-defined objectives.

Within the context of this act, 'artificial intelligence' refers to the technology utilized to generate or manipulate media that can create materially deceptive content, particularly in political advertisements. The act's provisions apply to media 'generated by using 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, and that uses machine and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments, abstract such perceptions into models through automated analysis, and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.

The Act also provides a definition for 'artificial intelligence,' characterizing it as machine-based systems capable of generating content or outputs. This broad definition acknowledges the evolving nature of AI technology and ensures that the legislation remains relevant as AI capabilities advance. By explicitly defining both 'deepfake' and 'artificial intelligence,' South Dakota SB 164 provides a clear legal foundation for enforcement and compliance, helping to avoid ambiguity in its application.

Any artificial system or generative artificial intelligence system that performs tasks under varying and unpredictable circumstances without significant human oversight or that can learn from experience and improve performance when exposed to data sets.

Artificial intelligence is defined broadly as a machine-based system capable of making predictions, recommendations, or decisions that influence real or virtual environments, based on a given set of human-defined objectives. This definition encompasses a wide array of AI applications, from simple algorithms to complex neural networks, focusing on their functional impact rather than specific technical architecture.

an efficiency which is based upon software algorithm that mimic biologically intelligent beings including human cognitive abilities, such as learning, problem–solving, reasoning, planning, natural language processing, and perception

As defined by forthcoming regulations under the Act, generally encompassing systems that use data to make decisions, recommendations, or predictions that influence real or virtual environments in the context of employment.

A set of technological solutions that allow for the simulation of human cognitive functions to obtain results for specific tasks, including machine learning and data processing.

A set of technological solutions that allow for the imitation of human cognitive functions, including learning and problem-solving, to achieve results comparable to human intellectual activity.

Artificial Intelligence is defined as the electronic implementation of human intellectual abilities, encompassing functions such as learning, reasoning, perception, judgment, and language understanding. This broad definition ensures that the Act can adapt to the evolving landscape of AI technologies.

As defined within the bill, "artificial intelligence" refers to "models and systems capable of performing functions generally associated with human intelligence, including reasoning and learning." This broad definition encompasses various AI technologies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems designed to perform tasks that traditionally require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and perception. The report also recommends establishing a statewide definition for clarity.

The development of software and hardware and the end-use application of technologies that are able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence. This includes, but is not limited to, visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, translation between languages, and generative artificial intelligence, which creates new content based on user inputs.

Artificial intelligence is a machine-based system that is designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy and that may exhibit adaptiveness after deployment. For explicit or implicit objectives, it infers from the input it receives how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments.

Any software, machine, or system capable of simulating human-like cognitive functions, including learning or reasoning. This definition encompasses artificial general intelligence, artificial superintelligence, and generative artificial intelligence.

In the context of Smart Sampa, AI refers to advanced algorithms used for facial recognition, behavioral analysis, and intelligent alerts to identify suspicious activities, missing persons, and fugitives.

Refers to the simulation, extension, or expansion of human intelligence by perceiving the environment, acquiring knowledge, or deducing with computers or devices controlled by computers.

Artificial Intelligence refers to machine-based systems designed to make predictions, recommendations, or decisions that influence real or virtual environments. These systems operate based on human-defined objectives and encompass various methodologies and applications.

The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and self-correction. In the context of HB 1071, it refers to technologies capable of generating or simulating human likenesses and voices.

As defined by AB 2355, artificial intelligence is an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and can infer from input to generate outputs influencing physical or virtual environments.

As defined by Public Act 23-16, 'AI' means (1) a set of techniques, including machine learning, designed to approximate a cognitive task, or (2) an artificial system that performs tasks under varying and unpredictable circumstances without significant human oversight or can learn from experience and improve performance when exposed to data sets, and solves tasks requiring human-like perception, cognition, planning, learning, communication, or physical action.

A machine-based system used to analyze applicant-submitted video interviews to evaluate characteristics such as facial expressions, body language, word choice, and tone of voice to determine an applicant's fitness for a position.

The capability of a machine to exhibit human-like cognitive functions, such as reasoning, learning, planning, and creativity. AI systems may adapt their behavior to a certain degree by analyzing the effects of previous actions and operating under varying and unpredictable circumstances without significant human oversight.

The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems, including learning, reasoning, and self-correction.

A computer system modeled loosely on the human brain that recognizes patterns in data, capable of generating or manipulating content such as videos, images, or audio files to realistically portray something that did not actually occur. In the context of HB 1167, it refers to the technology used to create political communications requiring disclosure.

The overarching subject matter that the task force is mandated to study, specifically focusing on its terminology for legislative purposes.

The simulation of human intelligence processes by a machine, especially computer systems, such that it can adapt and learn on its own using machine algorithms that can analyze large volumes of training data to identify correlations, patterns, and other metadata that can be used to develop a model.

AI encompasses machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and other technologies that enable systems to perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as problem-solving, learning, and decision-making. It is a rapidly evolving field with broad societal and economic implications.

Intelligent technology, programs, and the use of advanced computing algorithms that can augment decision-making by identifying meaningful patterns in data. This broad definition encompasses various forms of AI, from custom-built systems to those developed using generic AI platforms, and applies to both customisable and off-the-shelf AI components.

A domain of computer science that focuses on building computer systems to imitate human behaviour with a focus on developing models that can learn and can autonomously take actions on behalf of a human. It is also defined as an engineered system that generates predictive outputs such as content, forecasts, recommendations, or decisions.

Systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making, as understood within the context of government operations and service delivery.

Machines that can simulate an element of human capability, encompassing both traditional AI systems and generative AI technologies. The WA Government AI Policy and Assurance Framework apply to the development and usage of all such AI solutions.

Systems designed to process data, learn, reason, and make decisions, often automating tasks that typically require human intelligence. Within the SCE's context, these are considered technical support tools.

AI encompasses technologies and methodologies like machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics, enabling machines to perform tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence. It is viewed as a transformative force driving technological and industrial revolutions across various sectors.

AI refers to digital models, algorithms, and technologies designed for sophisticated perception, reasoning, interaction, and learning, capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. ER2Digit specifically focuses on AI technologies to drive innovation in public services and businesses.

A branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent behavior in computers, or the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) broadly refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. This encompasses capabilities like learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding, forming the core of advanced computational systems.

Selangor AI White PaperDefinition 39 of 84

A broad branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, encompassing machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. These systems learn, solve problems, and make decisions autonomously.

Lagos State AI GuidelinesDefinition 40 of 84

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to systems that display intelligent behavior by analyzing their environment and taking action – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. These systems can be software-based or embedded in hardware devices, focusing on practical applications for industry and public services.

Basque Country AI StrategyDefinition 41 of 84

The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. Within the Hanoi plan, AI is a core tool for urban management, service optimization, and data-driven decision-making.

Systems that display intelligent behavior by analyzing their environment and taking actions—with some degree of autonomy—to achieve specific goals, serving as the 'brain' of smart cities for data analysis, risk forecasting, and service improvement.

Technology that simulates human intelligence, enabling computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human cognition, viewed as a spectrum of tools with varying complexity and impact.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the theories, methods, technologies, and application systems that utilize computers or computer-controlled machines to simulate, extend, and expand human intelligence. This encompasses the capabilities to perceive environments, acquire knowledge, and employ that knowledge to achieve optimal outcomes in various tasks.

A broad field of computer science that gives computers the ability to imitate human intelligence, including learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), at its broadest, refers to systems that display intelligent behavior by analyzing their environment and taking actions—with some degree of autonomy—to achieve specific goals. This encompasses various sub-fields such as Machine Learning (ML), which involves algorithms that allow systems to learn from data, and Natural Language Processing (NLP), focused on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language.

A broad field of computer science focused on creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. The Telangana roadmap views AI as a transformative technology capable of driving economic growth, improving public services, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the theory and development of computer systems capable of performing tasks typically requiring human intelligence. This includes areas such as machine learning, data analytics, natural language processing, and robotics, aiming to impact businesses, the public sector, and citizens.

A broad field of computer science focused on creating machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, including learning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding, often through algorithms and data analysis.

A system (hardware, software, or both) designed to carry out tasks associated with human intelligence in a manner that mimics the human mind with a certain level of autonomy.

Central Bank AI GuidelinesDefinition 51 of 84

Refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking action – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI systems can be software-based or embedded in hardware devices.

Scottish AI RegisterDefinition 52 of 84

The development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making, perception, and natural language understanding, as applied to practical scenarios within the urban environment of Ho Chi Minh City.

Artificial Intelligence refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and understanding language. It encompasses various techniques, including machine learning and deep learning, to enable machines to perceive, reason, and act.

Refers to machine-based systems that can, for human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments, utilizing machine and human-based inputs to perceive, abstract, and infer. This broad definition encompasses various sub-fields such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics.

AI refers to computer systems or applications capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, encompassing areas such as decision-making, language processing, and visual perception. This broad definition covers advanced machine learning algorithms and complex autonomous systems.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to technologies enabling computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. This encompasses various forms, including generative AI models capable of creating new content.

Generally refers to systems that display intelligent behavior by analyzing their environment and taking actions—with some degree of autonomy—to achieve specific goals. This broad definition encompasses various AI technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is consistently referred to as a transformative technology that can fundamentally reshape economies, unlock innovation, enhance productivity, and improve competitiveness across various sectors. The Initiative views AI as a catalyst for economic growth and societal well-being, emphasizing its profound and long-term implications.

A computer science discipline that seeks, through models and algorithms, for machines to autonomously imitate human intelligence behaviors; considered as the manifestation of intelligence, similar to that of human beings, in a non-human entity.

A field of computer science focused on creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making, as applied in aviation contexts.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is broadly defined as a collection of technologies that produce systems capable of tracking complex problems in ways similar to human logic and reasoning. This encompasses various sub-fields, most notably Machine Learning (ML).

Refers to machine-based systems that, for human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. These systems operate with varying autonomy, learning and improving through experience and data, encompassing machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to machine learning algorithms, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and other advanced computational systems. In healthcare, this includes AI used for diagnosis, treatment recommendations, administrative tasks, predictive analytics, and patient engagement.

A machine-based system capable of making predictions or recommendations for human-defined objectives. It specifically includes AI chatbots that provide adaptive, human-like responses and are designed to meet social needs, while excluding certain benign applications.

Broadly defined to include systems capable of adaptive, human-like responses, particularly those designed to meet social needs, while explicitly excluding certain types of bots such as those used for customer service, business operations, video games (with specific limitations), or simple voice assistants that do not form relationships.

Broadly defined as the electronic implementation of human intellectual capabilities, such as learning, reasoning, perception, judgment, and language comprehension, encompassing a wide range of AI applications.

Explicitly defined as per Section 53-25-901 of the Utah Code, encompassing generative artificial intelligence, crucial for delineating the scope of AI disclosure requirements in preauthorization.

A machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers from the input it receives how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments.

Broadly defined to encompass any machine-based system capable of inferring from data and generating outputs, including, but not limited to, text, images, video, and audio. This comprehensive definition ensures that a wide array of AI technologies, both current and emerging, fall under the regulatory framework of the bill.

A machine-based system that may include software or physical hardware that performs tasks, based upon data set inputs, which require human-like perception, cognition, planning, learning, communication, or physical action and which is capable of improving performance based upon learned experience without significant human oversight toward influencing real or virtual environments.

A machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments.

Refers to the meaning provided in Section 2-101 of the Illinois Human Rights Act, ensuring consistency with broader state legal definitions of AI.

A machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments.

Assembly Bill 406Definition 75 of 84

The bill defines 'artificial intelligence' or 'AI' by referencing section 5002 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9401 note), thereby aligning its foundational understanding of AI with existing federal legislation.

Encompasses a broad range of technologies and methodologies designed to simulate human-like intelligence, learning, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities, such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. It is understood as a general-purpose technology capable of processing large datasets, identifying patterns, making predictions, and automating complex tasks to enhance efficiency and create new services.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) generally refers to systems that display intelligent behavior by analyzing their environment and taking actions—with some degree of autonomy—to achieve specific goals. This encompasses various sub-fields like machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics.

An engineered or machine-based system that varies in autonomy and can infer from input how to generate outputs that influence physical or virtual environments. The definition is broad and functional so it can capture a wide range of AI systems and models.

An engineered or machine-based system with varying levels of autonomy that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from input how to generate outputs that influence physical or virtual environments.

Assembly Bill No. 1883Definition 80 of 84

For AB 1979, artificial intelligence uses the meaning already adopted in California health law. The term captures systems that can support or replace decisionmaking through computational methods rather than simple fixed rules.

An engineered or machine-based system with variable autonomy that can infer from input how to generate outputs. The outputs may influence physical or virtual environments and are used here to identify technology-driven displacement.

An engineered or machine-based system that varies in autonomy and can infer from input how to generate outputs. In SB 1159, the definition is used repeatedly to determine when AI is excluded from statutory participation terms.

An engineered or machine-based system with varying autonomy that can infer from input how to generate outputs influencing physical or virtual environments. Under the bill, this broad definition captured systems used in clinical and workplace decision-making, but not ordinary office software or utility tools.

Not to be confused with

AI-generated campaign media

AI-generated campaign media refers specifically to campaign content created or altered using AI tools, while artificial intelligence is the broader technology enabling such content.

AI

The related term 'AI' describes technologies capable of performing complex human-like tasks, aligning closely but serving as a general shorthand for the specific definitions here.

Questions and answers

What AI deepfake rules apply in Michigan elections?

Michigan Public Act 265 of 2023 prohibits distribution of materially deceptive AI media within 90 days of elections without disclaimers. It references the Campaign Finance Act definition. Michigan Public Acts 263-266 also require disclosure of AI-generated media.

Does South Dakota law regulate AI-generated election content?

South Dakota SB 164 prohibits undisclosed election deepfakes intended to injure candidates within 90 days of elections, defining AI as systems generating content or outputs.

What disclosure is required for AI in California political ads?

California AB 2355 mandates political committees disclose AI use in generating or altering advertisements, defining AI as systems inferring outputs influencing environments.