Augmented critical decision process

How the laws define this

Both the Algorithmic Accountability Act (H.R. 5628, House version) and the Algorithmic Accountability Act (S. 2892, Senate version) agree that the concept centers on automated decision systems involved in making critical decisions with legal, material, or similarly significant effects, serving to establish which entities trigger statutory oversight. The primary divergence lies in whether the term defines the overarching workflow or the technology itself, as well as who is impacted. The Algorithmic Accountability Act (H.R. 5628, House version) classifies it as a decision-making process that uses a system to make or materially inform choices affecting individuals, defining the scope for assessment and reporting requirements. Conversely, the Algorithmic Accountability Act (S. 2892, Senate version) defines it directly as the automated decision system itself that participates in, augments, or directly contributes to decisions affecting consumers, identifying systems triggering heightened compliance requirements.

Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.