Glossary
AI Impact Assessment
An evaluation of how an AI system may affect rights, safety, equality, the environment or public interests over its lifecycle.
Last reviewed 2026-08-22
In plain language
The phrase overlaps with algorithmic impact assessment, fundamental-rights impact assessment, and data-protection impact assessment. UNESCO’s ethics recommendation and the EU AI Act both envision forms of impact or rights assessment for certain systems. Scopes differ: some focus on fundamental rights; others include environmental or labor effects. Assessments should state methods, limitations and whether affected people participated.
Why it matters for AI governance
Impact assessment is becoming a common legal and policy requirement. Understanding which assessment is required—and what it does not cover—prevents checkbox compliance.