A landmark agreement on artificial intelligence and human rights has been endorsed by the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union. The Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, spearheaded by the Council of Europe, was signed in Vilnius, Lithuania, marking the first legally binding global pact aimed at ensuring that AI technologies comply with human rights and democratic values.
Comprehensive AI Regulation Framework
This treaty is designed to address the challenges AI presents to human rights, democracy, and law. It mandates the prevention of data misuse and discrimination and emphasizes the protection of privacy. Furthermore, it promotes democratic principles and legal norms by requiring signatories to establish regulatory bodies to manage AI-related risks.
Aside from the US, UK, and EU, other signatories include Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, and Israel. However, the lack of participation from Asian countries, the Middle East, and Russia highlights a notable gap in global involvement. Created after World War II, the Council of Europe focuses on upholding human rights and democracy across Europe and is responsible for drafting and enforcing treaties like this one.
Implementation and Ratification Process
Activation of the treaty requires ratification from five signatories, including three from the Council of Europe member states. Upon ratification, the treaty will come into effect three months later. The UK has announced plans to draft AI-related legislation but has not disclosed a specific timeline.
The Council of Europe Committee of Ministers adopted the Framework Convention on May 17, 2024. The treaty was negotiated among the 46 member states, the EU, and representatives from 11 non-member countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, the Holy See, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Peru, the US, and Uruguay. Input was also provided by stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, and academia.
Alignment with Global AI Regulation Efforts
This treaty seeks to align various national and international AI regulatory efforts, such as the UK's AI Safety Summit, the G7's Hiroshima AI Process, and the UN's resolution on AI safety. The Council of Europe's framework aims to consolidate these efforts into a uniform legal structure to ensure AI developments comply with established standards.
The treaty will become officially active once the necessary ratifications are obtained. It opens the door for worldwide participation, potentially broadening its impact. The Council of Europe is hopeful that more countries will sign and ratify the treaty soon, enabling its provisions to be implemented rapidly.
