Rights & Ethics

human-centred AI

AI systems and practices preserving human responsibility and transparency.

How the laws define this

Frameworks for human-centred AI agree that system design and deployment must serve human well-being, transparency, accountability, and ethical principles to ensure technology supports society. The sources diverge, however, in their primary focus and scope of application. Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence emphasizes that legal and moral accountability for algorithmic applications must remain directly with human actors. Conversely, AI – Here for Good: National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Ireland frames human-centred AI as a guiding principle specifically for procurement and public-sector use, prioritizing human autonomy, agency, dignity, and decision-making. Meanwhile, the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Czech Republic (2019) specifically centers its approach on safety, the protection of human rights, and alignment with legal and normative safeguards. Compliance considerations thus vary based on whether an instrument focuses on assigning human liability, guiding public procurement policies, or enforcing fundamental rights and safety constraints.

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
Finland	Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence	Adopted	This definition adds insistence on societal benefit and that deployments respect ethical principles, while explicitly stating legal and moral accountability remains with human actors.
Ireland	AI – Here for Good: National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Ireland	Adopted	This definition widens the scope to an approach prioritising human well-being, autonomy, agency, dignity and social outcomes, and frames it as a guiding principle for procurement, public-sector use and ethical governance.
Czech Republic	National Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Czech Republic (2019)	Adopted	This definition narrows to emphasising protection of human rights, safety, ethical constraints and alignment with legal and normative safeguards.

What it triggers

In the Finland Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence policy report, it sets out policy proposals including lifelong learning.source
In the Ireland AI – Here for Good: National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Ireland, it establishes a strategic framework to guide public and private sector AI adoption.source
In the Czech Republic National Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Czech Republic (2019), it sets out national priorities to develop AI research, foster industry adoption and ensure ethical and secure AI.source

Definitions (3)

A framing for AI system design and deployment that preserves human responsibility, transparency and societal benefit, insisting that legal and moral accountability for algorithmic applications remain with human actors and that deployments respect ethical principles.

Work in the Age of Artificial IntelligenceDefinition 1 of 3

An approach to AI development and deployment that prioritises human well‑being, autonomy and agency, ensuring systems support human decision‑making, dignity and social outcomes rather than undermining them. The strategy frames human‑centred AI as a guiding principle for procurement, public‑sector use and ethical governance.

AI – Here for Good: National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for IrelandDefinition 2 of 3

An approach to AI system design and deployment that emphasises protection of human rights, safety, ethical constraints, transparency and accountability, ensuring that AI supports human wellbeing and aligns with legal and normative safeguards.

National Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Czech Republic (2019)Definition 3 of 3

Not to be confused with

Human-centric AI

Human-centric AI focuses on enhancing human well-being and rights, while human-centred AI emphasises preserving responsibility, transparency and ethical alignment in design and deployment.

Human-centered AI

Human-centered AI prioritizes human rights and inclusion in design and deployment, whereas human-centred AI stresses preserving human responsibility, transparency and societal benefit.

People-centered AI

People-centered AI respects dignity, privacy, and fairness, but human-centred AI additionally insists on human accountability and transparency in AI systems.

Questions and answers

What does human-centred AI require in Finland's AI policy?

The Finland Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence report frames human-centred AI as preserving human responsibility, transparency and societal benefit. It insists that legal and moral accountability remains with humans and deployments respect ethical principles. It offers policy proposals including lifelong learning.

How is human-centred AI positioned in Ireland's national strategy?

Ireland's AI – Here for Good strategy defines it as prioritising human well-being, autonomy, agency, dignity and social outcomes. It serves as a guiding principle for procurement, public-sector use and ethical governance.

What priorities does the Czech Republic's AI strategy link to human-centred AI?

The Czech Republic National Artificial Intelligence Strategy emphasises human-centred AI through protection of human rights, safety, ethical constraints, transparency and accountability. It supports human wellbeing and alignment with legal and normative safeguards.