Artificial intelligence meaning

This Checklist sets out essential steps for arbitrators to consider when deploying artificial intelligence (‘AI’) tools, or where AI is involved in arbitral proceedings. Given the fast‑moving nature of the technology and the applicable laws and regulations, please be aware that this is not a comprehensive list and should be treated as such. The Checklist is intended to provide guidance on best practice. Understanding AI Key points Notes Definition of AI Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems’ capacity to exhibit human‑like cognitive functions, such as decision‑making, planning, reasoning and knowledge representation. IBM characterises AI as technology that allows computers and machines to emulate human learning, understanding, problem‑solving, decision‑making, creativity and autonomy. WIPO portrays AI as a branch of computer science focused on building machines and systems capable of performing tasks thought to require human intelligence. Machine learning and deep learning are two branches within AI. In recent years, with advances in neural network methods and hardware, AI is commonly regarded as...

This Checklist covers the key considerations when formulating a strategy to combat counterfeiting and piracy. Use this Checklist together with Practice Note: Anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy—strategy. Begin by evaluating how widespread the issue is. Consider who has been consulted: Internal teams close to the market, such as customer services dealing with consumer complaints External investigators gauging counterfeit prevalence across specific channels (online and in store) and carrying out test purchases Agencies including the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (‘Trading Standards’) and HMRC Internet service providers and website operators where targets largely trade online Be aware that staff or members of the public may spot fake goods in shops, market stalls, at events or while on holiday and may proactively alert the rights holder. Confirm whether the following key details have been established: Most affected territories Most affected products Health and safety concerns Degree of risk to consumers and brand value Principal perpetrators Any...

How to use this Checklist This Checklist offers a structured approach to embedding AI governance within a professional services business. Robust AI oversight calls for a highly tailored method, aligned to the specific enterprise; it will vary by business type, risk tolerance, available resource, and the maturity of current governance arrangements. Nonetheless, this Checklist signposts the core considerations to support firms in adopting AI responsibly while safeguarding client trust, meeting regulatory obligations, and maintaining professional standards. Further reading Practice Note: Artificial intelligence and machine learning—an introduction to the technology Practice Note: The AI project lifecycle—a quick guide Precedent: Policy—use of generative artificial intelligence Practice Note: Negotiation guide—AI contracts Practice Note: Artificial intelligence—UK regulation and the National AI Strategy AI governance checklist—professional services Stage of implementation Key takeaways/further reading Define the scope: clearly set out what ‘AI’ covers for your governance framework (for example)...

Antitrust Commission launches investigation into Google’s use of publisher and YouTube content for AI training The Commission has initiated a formal competition investigation to determine whether Google has infringed Article 102 TFEU by using web publishers’ material and content uploaded to YouTube for artificial intelligence (AI) purposes on unfair terms (AT.40983). Commission’s concerns The Commission is assessing whether Google has: used web publishers’ content to produce AI-driven features on Google Search, including AI Overviews (AI-generated summaries shown above organic results) and AI Mode (a chat-style search tab), without proper remuneration and without giving publishers a meaningful way to refuse such use without risking reduced access to Google Search, and/or used YouTube material, including videos and other uploads, to train its generative AI models without compensating creators and without providing an opt-out...

Antitrust Commission issues SO to Meta over WhatsApp AI access limits; flags possible interim measures The Commission has delivered a statement of objections to Meta, outlining its preliminary assessment that Meta blocked third-party artificial intelligence (AI) assistants from accessing and engaging with users on WhatsApp, infringing Article 102 TFEU (AT.41034). The Commission considers that Meta’s behaviour risks preventing competitors from entering or growing in the rapidly expanding market for general-purpose AI assistants and has therefore indicated its intention to impose interim measures (subject to Meta’s rights of defence) to avoid serious and irreparable harm to competition. Background On 15 October 2025, Meta announced changes to its WhatsApp Business Solution Terms, effectively prohibiting third-party general-purpose AI assistants from the platform. Consequently, from 15 January 2026, Meta’s own assistant, Meta AI, has been the only AI assistant available on WhatsApp. On 4 December 2025, the Commission opened formal proceedings to examine whether this policy shift amounts to an abuse of dominance. The investigation covers the EEA, excluding Italy, where...

In this issue: Horizon scanning Status and worker categories Benefits Prohibited conduct Unfair dismissal Settlement Employment tribunals Dates for your diary Trackers New Q&As Employment resources on Lexis+® LexTalk®Employment: a Lexis®Nexis community Daily and weekly news alerts Horizon scanning What to watch in Employment law this winter In 2025, the government’s suite of employment reforms has set the pace, yet noteworthy shifts in case law and workplace culture also merit close attention as winter draws in. Some updates will stem from regulators, including the Financial Conduct Authority, which is anticipated to finalise guidance on tackling non-financial misconduct. Practitioners should also be mindful of the broader adoption of artificial intelligence, alongside a rise in employees voicing politically sensitive opinions at work, both of which demand vigilance as 2026 approaches. See Law360: What to watch in employment law this winter. Status and worker categories European Parliament ready to negotiate better...

This Practice Note tracks key legislative and regulatory developments, government initiatives and strategies, and consultations relating to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in life sciences and digital health in the UK. The rapid acceleration of AI within life sciences and digital health is spotlighting its power to transform research, fuel innovation and enhance patient care, whilst at the same time presenting intricate regulatory challenges. Across the UK, AI cuts across multiple established legal and regulatory frameworks, with the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (MDR 2002), SI 2002/618 (as amended) being a central point of intersection. The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is advancing a suite of reforms to the UK medical device framework, with notable consequences for AI and digital health—particularly for Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), AI as a Medical Device (AIaMD) and cybersecurity expectations. See News Analyses: Life Sciences UK—key developments in 2025 and horizon scanning for 2026—AI and digital health UK medical devices regulatory reform—where are...

This Practice Note outlines the legal and practical considerations relevant to digital rights management (DRM), and examines how far technical tools and other safeguards can be deployed by rights holders to protect and administer their digital works lawfully and effectively in practice. It also sets out the categories of offences that may arise where technological protection measures are bypassed or where rights management information is abused in any context. What is digital rights management? DRM describes the technical mechanisms used by copyright owners of digital material to label, monitor and secure their assets. These controls are applied to block unauthorised copying, for instance by using encryption, ensuring that only approved software and permitted users can open a given digital file where appropriate. DRM also serves to identify content and to manage its distribution to consumers, eg by tracking how often a work is accessed for the purpose of calculating the royalties payable lawfully, or to support business models such as online music subscription services. For example, the video...

This Practice Note outlines the meaning of information and communication technology (ICT), how organisations can gain from integrating it, and the potential risks tied to its use. It also offers practical guidance on how to formulate, draft and implement a strategic ICT plan. For guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), see subtopic: Artificial intelligence compliance. What is ICT? Information and communication technology (ICT) is an umbrella term for all technical means used to manage information and support communication. It spans tools such as computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and mobile phones, together with the many services and applications linked to them. Many regard the significance of ICT not as the technology itself but as its ability to expand access to information and communication. Benefits of ICT With tighter budgets and growing economic and environmental pressures, organisations may find they need to invest in and deploy ICT to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Implementing ICT can be crucial to an organisation’s economic...

Precedent ICT (information and communication technology) risk assessment and risk management plan This Precedent ICT (information and communication technology) risk assessment and risk management plan lets you record risks linked to any proposed ICT development and explain how those risks will be handled. It is pre-populated with examples, which you can easily delete if needed...

1 Introduction 1.1 Keeping corporate records in an orderly and dependable manner is vital to meet our statutory and regulatory duties, for example concerning data protection, taxation and employment. Doing so also lowers costs and mitigates the risks of holding superfluous information. 1.2 This records management policy guides staff in the correct handling of [ insert organisation name ]’s records. It explains: 1.2.1 the meaning of records; 1.2.2 the methods for classifying and storing records; 1.2.3 the retention periods for different categories of record; 1.2.4 the approach to disposing of records. 2 Responsibility and application 2.1 [ Insert name, department or role holder ] has overall responsibility for this policy. 2.2 This policy covers everyone working for us, including employees, temporary and agency workers, other contractors, interns and volunteers. All staff must read and follow it. 2.3 This policy is not a term of any employment contract and [ insert organisation name ] may add to...

A: General information Register last updated: [ Insert date ] Updated by: [ Insert name ] Entry 1 Software: [ Office 365 ] Provider: [ Microsoft ] Version: [ insert ] Purpose: [ Word processing ], [ Email application ], [ Calendars ], [ Presentations ] Access: [ None. Available to all users ] Notes: [ Annual subscription model ] Entry 2 Software: [ insert ] Provider: [ insert ] Version: [ insert ] Purpose: [ Client relationship management (CRM) ] Access: [ Restricted to partners and senior associates ] Notes: [ A process ensures entries are reviewed on an annual basis ]...