Defining AI: The Foundation of the AI Act and Global Perspectives 🌏

The definition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) forms the cornerstone of any regulatory framework. It determines the scope and applicability of the law, impacting everything from development and deployment to ethical considerations and risk management. The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) provides a nuanced example of how AI can be defined within legal texts, setting a precedent for global legislative efforts.

 The EU’s Approach: A Closer Look at the AIA’s Definition

The AIA defines AI systems as those developed through machine learning approaches, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, or through logic- and knowledge-based approaches. This definition aims to distinguish AI from traditional software systems, focusing on the methods of development and the capabilities of these systems​​.

Global Landscape: How Other Countries Define AI

The approach to defining AI varies significantly across the globe. For instance:

United States: The US has focused on AI as a technology that performs tasks requiring human-like perception, cognition, planning, learning, communication, or physical action. In regulations, AI is often seen as an evolving set of technologies with potential societal impacts.

China: China’s approach to AI is more focused on its application in various sectors, emphasizing AI as a driver of economic growth and national competitiveness. The definition tends to be broad, encompassing a range of technologies from basic algorithms to complex machine learning systems.

Canada: Canada has adopted a more inclusive definition, recognizing AI as a broad range of computational techniques influencing decision-making processes. The Canadian government emphasizes ethical AI, focusing on responsible and human-centric AI development.

Perspectives from Industry Leaders and Academia

In the private sector, companies like Google and IBM have their interpretations, often aligning with their business models and technological capabilities. Google, for instance, views AI as a set of technologies that enable computers to perceive, learn, and act intelligently. IBM focuses on AI as cognitive computing, which encompasses a wide range of intelligent technologies.

Academic definitions tend to be more theoretical, often focusing on AI’s capacity to mimic human intelligence, learn from experiences, and adapt to new information. Prominent AI researchers like Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig offer definitions that emphasize the ability of AI systems to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence.

Synthesizing Definitions: Towards a Unified Understanding

While the definitions of AI vary, there’s a common thread: the emphasis on AI’s capability to perform tasks that mimic or surpass human cognitive functions. This consensus is crucial for developing a cohesive regulatory framework that can adapt to the rapid advancements in AI technology.

Defining AI in the context of regulation is a dynamic process requiring collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and academia. The EU’s AI Act is a significant step in this direction, offering a framework that other countries can adapt and refine. As AI continues to evolve, so too must our understanding and definitions, ensuring that regulations remain relevant and effective in fostering responsible AI development and deployment.