Automated System
Computational system that determines outcomes or aids decisions.
How the laws define this
Regulatory frameworks agree that an automated system fundamentally functions by processing input data or information to yield specific outputs, such as generating content, making decisions, offering recommendations, or producing predictions that inform or affect people. Where these instruments diverge most significantly is in their required inputs and regulatory purpose. The Protection of Privacy Act (Bill 33) narrowly targets systems processing personal information and mandates notifying individuals when their data is used. In contrast, the Access to Information Act (Alberta Bill 34) applies to systems processing information generally, leaving its specific application to personal information to forthcoming regulations. Differing from both, the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights: Making Automated Systems Work for the American People (OSTP) explicitly encompasses software, automated decision-making, and algorithmic tools that impact human lives, using the concept not to trigger individual notification duties, but to set the scope of systems requiring rights-preserving safeguards.
Synthesised from the 3 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.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta, Canada | Protection of Privacy Act (Bill 33) | In Force | This definition mandates notification to individuals when their personal information is used in the system. |
| United States | Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights: Making Automated Systems Work for the American People (OSTP) | Adopted | This definition widens scope to any software or algorithmic tools affecting people's lives and sets safeguards scope. |
| Alberta, Canada | Access to Information Act | In Force | This definition notes the term is not fully defined and awaits clarification in forthcoming regulations. |
What it triggers
- In Alberta's Protection of Privacy Act (Bill 33), notification to individuals is required when their data is used.
- In Alberta's Access to Information Act, the term's implications for personal information await clarification in forthcoming regulations.source
Definitions (3)
A system that processes personal information to produce content, make decisions, offer recommendations, or generate predictions, requiring notification to individuals when their data is used in such a manner.
While not fully defined within the Act itself, this term refers to systems that process information to generate content, make decisions, recommendations, or predictions. Its specific application and implications for personal information are expected to be clarified in forthcoming regulations.
Software, automated decision‑making, and algorithmic tools that process input data to produce outputs that inform, affect, or decide aspects of people’s lives; the Blueprint uses this term to set the scope of systems that may require rights‑preserving safeguards.
Not to be confused with
An automated system encompasses broader algorithmic tools beyond machine-based inference from inputs like AI systems.
Automated systems include decision-aiding outputs beyond just algorithmic model-based outputs.
Questions and answers
What obligations arise if my system qualifies as an automated system under Alberta law?
Under Alberta's Protection of Privacy Act (Bill 33), notification to affected individuals is required when processing their personal information. The Access to Information Act leaves details for future regulations.
How does the US Blueprint define automated systems differently?
The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights defines it as software and algorithmic tools impacting lives, setting the scope for recommended safeguards.
Does 'automated system' always trigger notification duties?
Only under Alberta's Protection of Privacy Act (Bill 33) is notification required for personal data use; other definitions lack such duties.
Related Terms
Automated systems
Software or algorithmic tools producing outputs that affect people's lives....
AI System
Machine-based system that infers outputs from inputs....
AI systems
Systems using automated models to make/assist decisions or generate content....
automated decision‑making
Decisions where algorithmic outputs materially inform or determine outcomes....
Algorithmic system
System composed of algorithms, models and inputs producing automated outputs....