Meaningful Human Control
The principle that humans must retain sufficient understanding and authority over AI systems to be genuinely accountable for outcomes.
Definitions (3)
A governance principle requiring that humans retain sufficient oversight, authority and capability to review, intervene in or override automated decisions where those decisions materially affect people, including defined roles, processes and thresholds for intervention.
The assignment of human roles, decision points and oversight responsibilities so that humans retain appropriate authority and accountability over AI-driven decisions, especially where rights, safety or significant impacts are at stake.
A set of human-factor arrangements (clear role definitions, escalation routes, human‑in‑the‑loop procedures and fail‑safe designs) that ensure humans retain oversight and can intervene in AI system decisions where necessary to prevent harm. The Playbook frames this as a governance requirement to support legal defensibility and operational safety.
Related Terms
Human Oversight
Mechanisms enabling human control and intervention over AI system operations....
Human-in-the-Loop
An oversight model where humans actively participate in every AI decision cycle, approving actions before execution....
Accountability documentation
Model cards, datasheets, impact assessments and training/validation records....
Contestability
The right and practical ability of individuals to challenge, question, or dispute AI-driven decisions affecting them....