An emerging term used to describe situations in which organizations present artificial intelligence systems, automated process, or technology-enabled service as more human, human-controlled, or human-like than it actually is. The term is used to describe efforts that may mislead users about the role, capabilities, oversight, or involvement of humans in a system, particularly in contexts involving AI and automation. Current usage generally falls into three categories:

• Making AI appear more human than it really is
  • Refers to presenting AI systems as possessing human-like capabilities, emotions, judgment, or understanding that they do not actually possess, thereby misleading users about what the technology can do.
• Hiding AI behind a human façade
  • Where organizations imply that a service is provided by humans when AI is actually doing much of the work.
  • Examples include AI chatbots that are not clearly disclosed as AI or synthetic avatars presented as real people.
• Claiming "human oversight" that is largely symbolic
  • Organizations emphasizing that humans remain "in the loop" to reassure stakeholders, even when human review is limited, ineffective, or largely performative.
  • In this sense, humanwashing uses the language of human judgment and accountability to make systems appear safer or more responsible than they are.