Definitions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) vary in complexity depending on who you ask. Even lawmakers are struggling to define the exact parameters of what is considered AI. The EU AI Act, for example, deems that any system with a degree of autonomy capable of making predictions, recommendations, or decisions should be classed as AI. By contrast, other definitions – such as the one outlined in Connecticut Senate Bill 1103 – deem that an AI system should also display human-like cognition or perception. At its most fundamental level, however, the term refers to computer systems capable of comprehending complex information, reasoning, and learning from experience in order to complete a designated task.

In recent years, computer scientists exploring AI have engineered thousands of sophisticated systems that now materially impact our day-to-day lives – from AI-powered traffic management networks to personal recommendation systems on streaming platforms. A movement to ensure that AI technology trends are adopted safely has ensued, with a coalition of 1,000 tech leaders going as far as to sign an open letter calling for a temporary pause on its development as a result of recent events.