Automated decision system (ADS)
Any system used to make, assist, or inform administrative decisions.
How the laws define this
Both instruments establish that automated decision systems use technology, including machine learning or artificial intelligence, to make, assist, or support decisions. They agree that the concept covers tools that inform human decisions rather than solely fully automated ones. The primary divergence lies in technical scope and regulatory framing. The Directive on Automated Decision-Making (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat) broadly includes any system, explicitly encompassing rule-based systems or other technologies for administrative decisions, while treating the system as a regulated object subject to assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and disclosure. In contrast, Texas HB 2060 - AI in Public Services narrows its focus to algorithms incorporating machine learning or artificial intelligence that rely on data-based analytics to make or support governmental decisions, judgments, or conclusions.
Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
Definitions (2)
An Automated Decision System (ADS) is any system—including AI/ML, rule‑based systems, or other technologies—used to make, assist, or inform an administrative decision. The Directive treats ADSs as the regulated object for assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and disclosure requirements.
An algorithm, including an algorithm incorporating machine learning or other artificial intelligence techniques, that uses data-based analytics to make or support governmental decisions, judgments, or conclusions.
Related Terms
Automated decision-making system
Systems that process data to make predictions, recommendations, or decisions....
Automated decision tool
System that makes or significantly influences consequential decisions....
Automated Decision‑Making Systems
Systems that make or assist in making decisions using AI....
Augmented critical decision process
Process using an automated decision system for critical decisions....
Full automation
System makes the final decision without human intervention....