In a groundbreaking move, the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and several other countries have signed a landmark global treaty focused on artificial intelligence (AI) safety. This significant agreement, known as the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, was established by the Council of Europe (COE), an international standards and human rights organization. The treaty was officially opened for signatures in Vilnius, Lithuania.
This treaty marks the first legally binding international agreement aimed at ensuring that AI systems adhere to democratic values. It focuses on three primary areas: protecting human rights, safeguarding democracy, and upholding the rule of law. The treaty also provides a comprehensive legal framework that covers the entire lifecycle of AI systems, promoting innovation while managing potential risks.
The treaty has been signed by a diverse coalition of nations, including the US, UK, and EU. Other signatories include Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Moldova, San Marino, and Israel. However, notable absences include many major countries from Asia, the Middle East, and Russia. Despite this, the treaty remains open for future signatories, provided they commit to its provisions.
COE Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić emphasized the importance of aligning AI development with democratic standards. “We must ensure that the rise of AI upholds our standards, rather than undermining them,” Burić stated. “The Framework Convention is designed to ensure just that. It is a strong and balanced text – the result of the open and inclusive approach by which it was drafted and which ensured that it benefits from multiple and expert perspectives.”
Detailed Context of the Three Primary Areas
1. Protecting Human Rights:
The treaty emphasizes the protection of human rights in the context of AI development and deployment. This includes ensuring that AI systems do not infringe on individuals’ privacy, freedom of expression, or access to information. It also aims to prevent discrimination by requiring that AI systems be designed and used in ways that are fair and unbiased. The treaty mandates thorough impact assessments to identify and mitigate any potential human rights violations.
2. Safeguarding Democracy:
In safeguarding democracy, the treaty outlines measures to ensure that AI systems do not undermine democratic processes or institutions. This includes preventing the use of AI for election manipulation, misinformation, and the suppression of political dissent. The treaty also promotes transparency and accountability in AI systems, ensuring that their decision-making processes can be understood and challenged by the public. Additionally, it encourages the involvement of diverse stakeholders in the development and governance of AI technologies.
3. Upholding the Rule of Law:
To uphold the rule of law, the treaty establishes guidelines for the lawful and ethical use of AI. It requires that AI systems operate within legal frameworks and respect the principles of justice and due process. This includes ensuring that AI-driven decisions, especially those affecting fundamental rights, can be reviewed and contested in a legal setting. The treaty also promotes the development of international standards for AI ethics and governance, fostering cooperation among nations to address cross-border challenges posed by AI technologies.
The treaty will come into effect three months after at least five signatories, including three Council of Europe member states, ratify it. This step will activate the treaty’s provisions, setting in motion a new era of international cooperation on AI safety.
The COE’s treaty is part of a broader global effort to regulate AI. Recent initiatives include the UK’s AI Safety Summit, the G7-led Hiroshima AI Process, and the United Nations’ AI resolution. These efforts reflect a growing consensus on the need for international collaboration to manage the rapid advancement of AI technologies.
The signing of the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law represents a significant step towards ensuring that AI development aligns with democratic values and human rights. While the absence of some major countries poses challenges, the treaty’s open nature allows for future inclusions, promoting wider international cooperation. As AI continues to evolve, this landmark agreement will play a crucial role in shaping the ethical and legal landscape of AI systems worldwide.
