Adaptive Optics is generally used with ground telescopes to correct for atmospheric distortions or seeing. Right now it is used mostly in the infrared but is starting to be used in longer visible wavelengths (see excellent answers here and here), and is applied in software to radio telescope arrays as well.
In Project Scientist John Mather's recent AMA #1 the use of adaptive optics in large aperture ground telescopes to potentially image exoplanets is mentioned as well. The JWST FAQ #7 touts putting a telescope in space as an alternative to adaptive optics on the ground.
In the Business Insider article NASA is trying to keep part of its giant golden telescope a secret the use of adaptive optics on the JWST secondary mirror is mentioned, and shown in the large image below with a red arrow. Also two screen shots from the NASA Goddard YouTube video are shown.
Since the JWST is outside the atmosphere and therefore doesn't need adaptive optics, what would the adaptive optics be needed for? Or is the BI article wrong and this is simply an active mirror mount sans AO?
above: Two frame captures from the NASA Goddard YouTube video
above: JWST secondary mirror mechanism annotated with arrow by Business Insider - credit NASA/Chris Gunn Original Image