AI governance glossary
Model card
Definition
A short document published with a machine-learning model that states its intended use, the data it was evaluated on, its performance across groups and conditions, and its known limitations. The format comes from Mitchell et al. (2019) and now meets part of the documentation duties several laws place on model providers.
Source: Mitchell et al., Model Cards for Model Reporting (2019). A plain-language explanation for orientation, not the legal text; follow the source for the binding wording.
Technical documentation control →AI model card template →
Laws and policies on record that use it
- EU AI ActEuropean Union · Partially applicable
Duties that mention it
- Providers of GPAI models must maintain technical documentation and inform downstream providersEU AI Act · European Union
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Frequently asked questions
What does "Model card" mean?
A short document published with a machine-learning model that states its intended use, the data it was evaluated on, its performance across groups and conditions, and its known limitations. The format comes from Mitchell et al. (2019) and now meets part of the documentation duties several laws place on model providers.
Where does the term Model card come from?
This explanation follows Mitchell et al., Model Cards for Model Reporting (2019). It is a plain-language paraphrase for orientation; the source has the binding wording.
Which laws and policies use the term Model card?
Among the records on this site: EU AI Act (EU).