Consequential decisions
Decisions materially affecting individuals' rights or access to services.
Definitions (2)
Decisions that materially affect an individual's rights, opportunities, or access to government services and benefits; such decisions trigger heightened scrutiny for automated decision tools and require specific policy attention. The statute uses this concept to distinguish low-impact administrative uses from high-impact government actions.
Decisions that affect individuals' legal rights, their access to government services, or impose costs on citizens or businesses; identification as a 'consequential decision' is the threshold that subjects an AI system to enhanced governance and human oversight requirements.
Related Terms
Consequential Decision
Decision materially affecting consumer access to essential services....
Automated decision tool
System that makes or significantly influences consequential decisions....
Critical decision
Decision with legal, material, or significant effects (e.g., housing, employment)....
significant adverse effect
Materially consequential negative outcome from an automated decision....
automated decision‑making
Decisions where algorithmic outputs materially inform or determine outcomes....