Glossary
AI Governance
The institutions, rules, processes and practices used to steer the design, deployment and use of artificial intelligence toward public-interest outcomes.
Last reviewed 2026-08-22
In plain language
AI governance is an umbrella term, not a single legal regime. It spans hard law, soft law, organizational policy, technical standards, procurement rules, and civic oversight. International organizations, governments, companies, researchers and civil society all participate, often with different mandates and levels of authority. Because the field is contested, this directory treats AI governance as a practical map of who decides what, on what basis, and with which accountability mechanisms—not as a settled doctrine.
Why it matters for AI governance
Without a shared vocabulary, policy debates collapse distinct instruments—treaties, regulations, voluntary principles and internal controls—into one phrase. Clear governance language helps practitioners locate binding duties, identify gaps, and connect technical systems to democratic and human-rights processes.
Authoritative sources
- https://www.un.org/global-dialogue-ai-governance/en/ (opens in a new tab)
- https://oecd.ai/en/ai-principles (opens in a new tab)
- UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance (opens in a new tab) — United Nations