Last updated, 09/09/2025

What is AI?

There is no universal definition of artificial intelligence (AI). According to WIPO, “AI is generally considered to be a discipline of computer science that is aimed at developing machines and systems that can carry out tasks considered to require human intelligence. Machine learning and deep learning are two subsets of AI. In recent years, with the development of new neural networks techniques and hardware, AI is usually perceived as a synonym for “deep supervised machine learning” (source: WIPO Website on Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property).

AI comes in various forms, including Machine Learning or Generative AI. 

However, it must be noted that Machine Learning (ML) and Generative AI (Gen AI) are two distinct branches in the field of AI. Although, very often the terms Gen AI and ML are used interchangeably, and indeed both technologies are often used in conjunction with one another, these two terms differ substantially.

Machine Learning

Data-driven part of AI with a focus on teaching computers to learn from data and make predictions or decisions. ML uses structured data to guess, categorise, and group information – pattern recognition. ML can be taught through (i) supervised learning  (learning from labelled data), (ii) unsupervised learning (finding hidden patterns in data), and (iii) reinforced learning (decision-making).

Generative AI

Newer form or subset of AI with a focus on generating creative content that is meant to mimic human-made creations/content – pattern creation. Generative AI uses deep learning, especially Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), to generate text, images, music, and more. Often, Gen AI works in conjunction with Large Language Models (LLMs), which enable Gen AI tools to recognise, interpret and mimic human language. 

This website focuses largely on ML systems and the international law aspects linked to ML systems with a specific focus on ai systems technology, including multi agent systems, intelligent agents, human-machine teaming, ai-enhanced remotely-piloted systems, and autonomous systems.

According to the UN, “autonomous systems utilising AI require “autonomy” to perform their functions in the absence of direction or input from a human actor. Artificial intelligence is not a prerequisite for the functioning of autonomous systems, but, when incorporated, AI could further enable such systems. Autonomous capabilities can be provided through pre-defined tasks or sequences of actions based on specific parameters, or through using artificial intelligence tools to derive behavior from data, thus allowing the system to make independent decisions or adjust behavior based on changing circumstances. Artificial intelligence can also be used in an assistance role in systems that are directly operated by a human. For example, a computer vision system operated by a human could employ artificial intelligence to identify and draw attention to notable objects in the field of vision, without having the capacity to respond to those objects autonomously in any way” (source: UN Office for Disarmament Affairs).

Note: For ease, the term ‘artificial intelligence’ or ‘AI’ will be used throughout this website interchangeably to refer to ML type systems, including systems incorporating generative AI.