Guardrails
Software mechanisms and constraints implemented around AI systems to prevent harmful, biased or non-compliant outputs and ensure safe, responsible operation.
In plain language
Safety barriers built into an AI system that prevent it from doing dangerous or harmful things. Like guardrails on a highway keeping cars from swerving into traffic, guardrails keep the AI operating within safe bounds.
Why this matters
Guardrails translate high-level AI governance policies into enforceable technical controls. They prevent AI systems from producing harmful or non-compliant outputs and are particularly important for organisations deploying generative AI across customer-facing or high-stakes decision-making applications.
Relevance
ImplementationGuardrails are the practical technical mechanism for enforcing governance policies and preventing policy violations in deployed AI systems.
Related terms
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