Meaningful Human Control
The requirement that humans maintain sufficient understanding and authority over AI systems to ensure that critical decisions reflect human values and remain subject to human justification.
In plain language
Ensuring that when AI makes important decisions, humans truly understand what's happening and can meaningfully intervene, not just rubber-stamping AI decisions without genuine oversight. A human must have the knowledge and power to override or halt the AI.
Why this matters
Meaningful human control is a regulatory expectation in emerging AI governance frameworks and a governance necessity for responsible deployment. Your framework must ensure that human oversight of AI is genuine and informed, not merely ceremonial. This is particularly important for high-stakes decisions affecting individuals' rights, opportunities or access to services.
Relevance
GovernanceMeaningful human control ensures accountability and prevents AI from making critical decisions without genuine human understanding and authority.
Related terms
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