Governance

Public-sector AI

AI systems deployed by federal agencies to deliver or improve public services.

How the laws define this

Both frameworks establish that public-sector AI applies to artificial intelligence systems, models, or algorithmic tools that are developed, procured, or deployed by state entities to support or deliver public services. Under both definitions, creating, purchasing, or operating these tools triggers mandatory administrative compliance. The primary distinction lies in institutional scope and the specific regulatory mechanisms required. The Plano Brasileiro de Inteligência Artificial 2024-2028 (Brazilian Plan for Artificial Intelligence, PBIA) limits its application specifically to federal agencies, focusing on decision-support, automation, or citizen engagement while requiring cataloging, interoperability, and governance measures. In contrast, the Agenda Nacional de Inteligência Artificial (National AI Agenda / ANI) adopts a broader organizational reach by encompassing governmental bodies generally, subjecting their systems to procurement rules, documentation, impact assessments, and designated oversight mechanisms.

Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.

What it triggers

In the National Artificial Intelligence Agenda of Portugal, public sector AI is subject to procurement rules, documentation, impact assessments and oversight mechanisms.source
Under the Plano Brasileiro de Inteligência Artificial 2024-2028, public sector AI is subject to cataloging, interoperability and governance measures.

Definitions (2)

Systems, models or algorithmic tools developed, procured or deployed by federal agencies to support public service delivery, decision‑support, automation or citizen engagement, subject to cataloging, interoperability and governance measures specified by the PBIA.

Plano Brasileiro de Inteligência Artificial 2024-2028 (Brazilian Plan for Artificial Intelligence, PBIA)Definition 1 of 2

Public sector AI denotes AI systems developed, procured or deployed by governmental bodies to support or deliver public services, which are subject to procurement rules, documentation, impact assessments and oversight mechanisms set out in the Agenda.

Agenda Nacional de Inteligência Artificial (National AI Agenda / ANI) — planned national AI agenda (in public consultation/auscultation)Definition 2 of 2

Not to be confused with

Public‑interest AI

Public-interest AI focuses on systems developed to serve government missions and social goods, while public-sector AI specifically involves systems developed, procured or deployed by governmental bodies or federal agencies.

Public-sector solution

Public-sector solution refers to AI tools procured, developed, or used by public authorities, whereas public-sector AI emphasizes systems or tools deployed to deliver or improve public services and subject to specific regulatory measures.

Questions and answers

What obligations apply to public sector AI in Portugal?

The National Artificial Intelligence Agenda sets out that public sector AI is subject to procurement rules, documentation, impact assessments and oversight mechanisms. This applies to AI systems developed, procured or deployed by governmental bodies to support or deliver public services.

What does the Brazilian AI Plan require for public sector AI?

The Plano Brasileiro de Inteligência Artificial 2024-2028 specifies that public sector AI must undergo cataloging, interoperability and governance measures. This covers systems, models or algorithmic tools developed, procured or deployed by federal agencies.

How does public sector AI differ from public-interest AI?

Public sector AI denotes systems handled by government bodies under specific rules like procurement and oversight, while public-interest AI refers to systems aimed at government missions and social goods without mentioning those regulatory obligations.