Reference
Glossary
Definitions used consistently across the archive. Where a jurisdiction uses a term differently, the entry for that document explains the local meaning.
- Act / Law
- A binding instrument adopted by a legislature. Obligations apply directly to the parties it names and are enforceable in the jurisdiction concerned.
- Bill / Proposal
- A draft instrument under legislative consideration. Its provisions may change substantially before adoption, and it may never be adopted at all.
- Regulation
- A rule made under statutory authority, usually by a government department or regulator, giving operational detail to a law.
- Policy / Strategy
- A statement of government intent, objectives and planned actions. Strategies are not binding but often precede legislation and funding.
- Guidance
- Advisory material explaining how an authority expects existing rules to be applied. Non-binding, but relevant to how regulators interpret compliance.
- Framework
- A structured set of principles, controls or processes — commonly for ethics or risk management — intended to be applied voluntarily by organisations.
- Standard
- A technical or management specification published by a standards body. Standards may be referenced by law to demonstrate compliance.
- Treaty / Convention
- An agreement between states, binding on parties that ratify it, and typically requiring domestic implementation.
- Conformity assessment
- The process of demonstrating that a system meets specified requirements, whether by self-assessment or by an independent body.
- Risk-based regulation
- An approach that assigns obligations in proportion to the assessed risk of a system's use, rather than to the technology itself.
- General-purpose / foundation model
- A model trained broadly and adaptable to many downstream tasks; several regimes place specific obligations on their providers.
- Frontier AI
- Highly capable general-purpose models at the leading edge of capability, often subject to distinct safety commitments and reporting.
- Algorithmic transparency
- Obligations to disclose that an automated system is in use, and in some regimes to explain how it reaches decisions.
- Human oversight
- A requirement that a person can meaningfully monitor, intervene in, or override an automated decision.
- Public consultation
- A formal invitation for comment on a proposed instrument. Consultation responses often shape final texts.
- In force
- The instrument has legal effect. Note that some provisions may apply from later dates under transitional arrangements.
- Superseded
- The instrument has been replaced or repealed. Records are retained for historical reference.