AI governance frameworks consistently define the“unique characteristics”of AI that create novel governance challenges.
Across the OECD AI Principles, NIST AI RMF, ISO/IEC 42001, and the EU AI Act, the key characteristics requiring governance are:
Autonomy– AI systems act without direct human intervention and take context-dependent decisions.
Adaptability– AI systems learn, evolve, and update their behavior over time, making outputs non-deterministic.
These traits fundamentally distinguish AI from traditional software and shape all major governance activities (risk assessment, monitoring, assurance, accountability, alignment, etc.).
Below is why each option is correct or incorrect:
A. Autonomy — NOT selected
Reason:
Autonomy is repeatedly cited as one of the defining characteristics that necessitates governance.
NIST AI RMF references the risks ofautonomous behavior.
ISO/IEC 42001 emphasizes governance controls for “systems operating with varying levels of autonomy.”
Thus,Autonomy IS a unique characteristic, so it isnotan answer.
B. Automation — SELECTED
Reason:
“Automation” is not a unique AI property. Automation predates AI and applies to robotics, scripts, business process automation, etc.
AI governance literature doesnotclassify automation as a unique AI-specific characteristic.
Automation is aresultof AI, but not adistinguishing property.
Therefore,Automation is correctly selected as NOT a unique AI characteristic.
C. Adaptability — NOT selected
Reason:
Adaptability (systems that update, learn, or change behavior) is recognized universally as a core distinctive trait of AI.
EU AI Act emphasizes governance requirements for “adaptive systems.”
NIST AI RMF highlights “learning and emergent behavior.”
Thus,Adaptability IS a unique characteristic, so it shouldnotbe chosen as an exception.
D. Speed and scale — SELECTED
Reason:
While AI can operate at high speed and scale,these are not unique characteristics of AI.
Traditional computing systems, cloud workloads, and automation pipelines operate at similar scale.
AI governance documents mention speed/scale as arisk amplifier, not a defining characteristic.
Therefore,Speed and scaleshould be selected.
E. Superintelligence — SELECTED
Reason:
“Superintelligence” is not a characteristic of current AI systems and isnot referenced as a governance-relevant attributein mainstream policy documents (OECD, NIST, ISO, EU AI Act).
It is speculative rather than a defining feature.
Therefore, it is correctly chosen as NOT a unique characteristic requiring governance today.
