The legal concept of artificial intelligence: the debate surrounding the definition of AI System in the AI Act

Abstract

The concept of AI has always been controversial because there is no broad consensus on its definition. This is problematic from a legal perspective, as laws require precise and specific definitions, especially for concepts that have a direct impact on the scope and reach of the regulation, having this choice technological, economical and legal implications. During the European Union’s AI Act legislative process, there has been a debate on the legal definition of AI, with diverging definitions of AI System being proposed by the different bodies of the European Union.