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Artificial Intelligence Glossary for Government Users
A
Algorithm A set of rules or instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or make a decision. Like a recipe that the computer follows to process information and produce results.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, or analyzing data.
AI Agent An autonomous AI system that can perceive its environment, make decisions, and take actions to achieve specific goals. In government, AI agents might handle citizen inquiries, process applications, or monitor systems with minimal human oversight.
Augmented Intelligence AI designed to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. Helps government workers make better decisions by providing insights and recommendations.
Automated Decision-Making Using AI to make choices without human intervention. Common in processing applications, determining eligibility, or routing citizen requests.
Automation Using technology to perform tasks without human intervention. Might include automatically processing permit applications or scheduling inspections.
B
Bias (AI Bias) When an AI system produces unfair or discriminatory results, often reflecting prejudices in training data or design. Critical consideration for ensuring equal treatment of all citizens.
Big Data Extremely large datasets that require special tools to analyze. Examples include census data, traffic patterns, healthcare records, or economic indicators.
Black Box An AI system whose decision-making process is not transparent or easily understood. Problematic for government use where accountability is required.
Bot Short for robot; a software program that automates tasks. Can range from simple scripts to sophisticated AI assistants.
C
Chatbot AI-powered programs that can have conversations with people through text or voice. Used on government websites to answer questions and provide 24/7 support.
Classification The process of categorizing data into predefined groups. Used to sort citizen requests, classify documents, or identify types of incidents.
Cloud Computing Using remote servers over the internet to store data and run applications. Many government AI systems use cloud services for processing power.
Computer Vision AI that can “see” and interpret images and videos. Applications include analyzing satellite imagery, monitoring cameras, or digitizing handwritten forms.
Cybersecurity AI AI systems designed to protect against digital threats, detect intrusions, and respond to security incidents in government networks.
D
Data Mining The process of discovering patterns and insights in large datasets. Helps identify trends in citizen needs or detect anomalies.
Data Science The field that combines statistics, programming, and domain expertise to extract insights from data. Supports evidence-based government decision-making.
Dataset A collection of related data organized for analysis. Could be census responses, crime statistics, or citizen service requests.
Deep Learning An advanced form of machine learning that mimics how the human brain processes information through layers of connections.
Digital Twin A digital replica of a physical system or process. Used to model city infrastructure, optimize traffic flow, or simulate policy impacts.
E
Edge Computing Processing data locally on devices rather than sending it to distant servers. Useful for real-time responses or enhanced privacy.
Ensemble Method Combining multiple AI models to make better predictions than any single model. Improves accuracy and reliability in government applications.
Ethical AI AI development and deployment that considers moral implications, fairness, and societal impact. Essential for responsible government AI use.
Expert System AI that mimics human expert knowledge in specific domains. Used for regulatory compliance checking or diagnostic assistance.
Explainable AI (XAI) AI systems designed so humans can understand how they reach conclusions. Crucial for government accountability and transparency.
F
Facial Recognition AI technology that identifies individuals by analyzing facial features. Used in security systems, border control, and law enforcement.
False Negative When an AI system fails to identify something that should have been detected. Missing actual fraud in financial transactions.
False Positive When an AI system incorrectly identifies something as true when it’s false. Flagging a legitimate transaction as fraudulent.
Feature An individual measurable property of something being observed. In AI, features are the input variables used to make predictions.
Federated Learning A method where AI systems learn from data across multiple locations without sharing the actual data. Enables collaboration while maintaining security.
G
Generative AI AI that can create new content like text, images, or code. Applications include drafting documents, creating communications, or generating reports.
Governance Framework The policies, procedures, and oversight mechanisms that guide how AI is developed, deployed, and managed in government organizations.
H
Hallucination When an AI system confidently presents false or fabricated information as if it were true. A critical concern for government AI applications where accuracy is essential for policy decisions and citizen services.
Human-in-the-Loop AI systems that include human oversight and intervention in the decision-making process. Ensures human judgment in critical government decisions.
I
Image Recognition AI’s ability to identify and categorize objects, people, or scenes in images. Used in security, document processing, and infrastructure monitoring.
Inference The process of using a trained AI model to make predictions or decisions on new data. The operational phase after training is complete.
Internet of Things (IoT) Network of connected devices that collect and share data. In government, includes smart traffic lights, environmental sensors, and utility meters.
K
Knowledge Graph A way of representing information that shows relationships between different entities. Helps AI systems understand context and connections in government data.
L
Large Language Model (LLM) Advanced AI systems trained on vast amounts of text that can understand and generate human-like language. Assists with document analysis and communications.
Latency The delay between input and output in a system. Important for government applications requiring real-time responses to citizen needs.
Logistics Optimization Using AI to improve the efficiency of supply chains, routing, and resource allocation in government operations.
M
Machine Learning (ML) A method of AI where computers learn patterns from data without being explicitly programmed for every scenario.
Model The mathematical representation that an AI system uses to make predictions or decisions based on input data.
Multi-modal AI AI systems that can process and understand multiple types of data simultaneously, such as text, images, and audio.
N
Natural Language Processing (NLP) Technology that helps computers understand and respond to human language. Used in chatbots, document analysis, and translation services.
Neural Network A computer system designed to recognize patterns, loosely inspired by how brain cells connect. Used in pattern recognition and decision-making.
No-Code AI A much more practical concept for government users who want to implement AI solutions without technical expertise
O
Optimization The process of finding the best solution among many possibilities. Used to improve resource allocation, scheduling, and service delivery.
P
Pattern Recognition AI’s ability to identify regularities in data. Used to detect fraud, predict trends, or recognize behavior patterns in government data.
Predictive Analytics Using historical data and AI to forecast future trends or events. Applied to budget planning, crime prevention, and service demand prediction.
Privacy-Preserving AI Techniques that allow AI systems to learn from data while protecting individual privacy. Essential when processing sensitive citizen information.
Q
Quality Assurance Systematic processes to ensure AI systems meet specified requirements and perform reliably in government applications.
Quantum Computing Advanced computing technology that could dramatically accelerate certain AI calculations. Still experimental but potentially transformative.
R
Recommendation System AI that suggests relevant content, services, or actions based on user needs. Helps citizens find relevant government programs or services.
Reinforcement Learning A type of machine learning where AI learns through trial and error, receiving rewards for good decisions. Used in optimization and game theory applications.
S
Scalability The ability of an AI system to handle increasing amounts of work or users without losing performance. Important as government services expand.
Simulation Using AI to model real-world scenarios and test different outcomes. Helps government plan for emergencies or evaluate policy options.
Speech Recognition AI technology that converts spoken words into text. Used in voice-activated systems and transcription services.
Supervised Learning Machine learning using labeled examples to train models. Like teaching a system with answer keys to recognize patterns.
T
Training Data The information used to teach an AI system how to perform its task. Quality and fairness of training data affects system performance and equity.
Transfer Learning Using knowledge gained from one AI task to improve performance on a related task. Saves time and resources in developing new government applications.
Transparency The ability to understand and explain how an AI system makes its decisions. Essential for government accountability and public trust.
Turing Test A test of machine intelligence where a human evaluator judges whether responses come from a human or machine. Named after Alan Turing.
U
Unstructured Data Information that doesn’t fit neatly into databases, like emails, documents, images, or social media posts. Requires special AI techniques to analyze.
Unsupervised Learning Machine learning that finds patterns in data without being given examples of correct answers. Used to discover hidden insights in government data.
User Experience (UX) How people interact with and experience AI systems. Critical for citizen-facing government AI applications.
V
Validation The process of testing an AI system to ensure it works correctly and fairly before deploying it in real government operations.
Virtual Assistant AI-powered software that can perform tasks and answer questions through natural language interaction. Used in citizen services and internal support.
Visualization The presentation of data and AI results in graphical formats like charts, maps, or dashboards to make information easier to understand.
Voice AI Technology that enables computers to understand and respond to spoken language. Used in phone systems and accessibility applications.
W
Workflow Automation Using AI to streamline and automate business processes, reducing manual work and improving efficiency in government operations.
Y
Yield Management A business concept that government agencies actually use for optimizing resources, facilities, and service delivery
Z
Zero-Shot Learning AI’s ability to perform tasks it wasn’t specifically trained for by using knowledge from related tasks. Useful for adapting to new government requirements quickly.