Definitions

You will need to know the terms below to make the most of this toolkit. For a more complete review of GenAI, including a detailed assessment of GenAI versus conventional artificial intelligence, see the State of California Benefits and Risks of Generative Artificial Intelligence Report (Nov. 2023). The following definitions will evolve over time.

  1. Generative AI (GenAI) – Pretrained AI models that can generate images, videos, audio, text, and derived synthetic content. GenAI does this by analyzing the structure and characteristics of the input data to generate new, synthetic content similar to the original. Decision Support, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing/Translation Services, Computer Vision and Chatbot technologies or activities support or may be related to GenAI, but they are not GenAI on their own. In 2024, the California Legislature codified the following definition: “‘Artificial intelligence’ means an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments” (AB 2885).
  2. Conventional AI – Sometimes referred to as “machine learning” or “data science,” conventional AI is data models and computer programming that is built for a few specific tasks, which are determined by the programmer. It can accomplish predefined tasks or analyze patterns. It does not produce net-new content and can only analyze the data it is given. Conventional AI is already widely used in products across government and society. Some examples include robotic process automation, fraud detection tools, image classification systems, recommendation engines, and interactive voice assistants.
  3. Incidental GenAI purchase – A state entity identifies the use of GenAI tools as part of an overall purchase for any type of procurement. A request to primarily purchase a good or service, where the State or vendor identifies a subcomponent of the purchase as using GenAI tool(s) to assist with the delivery of the solution, is considered an incidental purchase of GenAI.
  4. Intentional GenAI purchase – A state entity identifies a GenAI product or solution to meet a business need for any type of procurement. A request to purchase a specific GenAI product or solution at the onset of a procurement is considered an intentional purchase of GenAI.

Additional definitions

The following additional definitions are from California’s Definitions for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and GenAI (SAM 4819.2). Definitions follow the below order of adoption:

  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • CA Government Code
  • White House EO AI
  • GovOps/CDT AI/GenAI publications
  • Other technology leader sources

Algorithm - A clearly specified mathematical process for computation; a set of rules that, if followed, will give a prescribed result.

Artificial intelligence (AI) - A machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. Artificial intelligence systems use machine- and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments; abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner; and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.

Automated decision system - A computational process derived from machine learning, statistical modeling, data analytics, or artificial intelligence that issues simplified output, including a score, classification, or recommendation, that is used to assist or replace human discretionary decision making and materially impacts natural persons. An “automated decision system” does not include a spam email filter, firewall, antivirus software, identity and access management tools, calculator, database, dataset, or other compilation of data.

Chatbot - Computer programs that simulate and process human conversation, either written or spoken, to allow humans to interact with digital devices as if they were communicating with a real person.

Consequential decisions - A decision or judgment that has a legal, material, or similarly significant effect on an individual’s life relating to the impact of, access to, or the cost, terms, or availability of, any of the following:

  • Employment, workers management, or self-employment
  • Education and vocational training
  • Housing or lodging
  • Essential utilities
  • Family planning and child protective services
  • Health care or health insurance
  • Financial services
  • The criminal justice system
  • Legal services
  • Voting
  • Access to benefits or services or assignment of penalties

Generative AI (GenAI) - Pretrained AI models that can generate images, videos, audio, text, and derived synthetic content. GenAI does this by analyzing the structure and characteristics of the input data to generate new, synthetic content similar to the original. Decision support, machine learning, natural language processing/translation services, computer vision and chatbot technologies or activities support or may be related to GenAI, but they are not GenAI on their own.

Large language model - A specialized type of artificial intelligence (AI) that has been trained on vast amounts of text to understand existing content and generate original content.

Machine learning - A set of techniques that can be used to train AI algorithms to improve performance at a task based on data.

Natural language processing - Takes communications by humans and transforms the information into something more suitable for computer use and analysis.