This Thursday, the United States, Britain, and EU member countries are set to sign the world’s first legally binding international treaty on artificial intelligence (AI). Known as the AI Convention, this treaty is a significant step towards regulating AI on a global scale, developed by the Council of Europe, an organization dedicated to safeguarding human rights.
A Focus on Human Rights and Responsible Innovation
Adopted in May after negotiations among 57 countries, the AI Convention aims to mitigate AI-related risks while promoting responsible innovation. Britain’s Justice Minister, Shabana Mahmood, described the treaty as crucial for ensuring AI technologies do not undermine fundamental values like human rights and the rule of law.
The Convention differs from the EU AI Act, which regulates AI within the EU’s internal market. While the EU AI Act focuses on legal frameworks for AI use within the EU, the AI Convention is global in scope and emphasizes protecting human rights from AI system impacts. Signatories can adopt or maintain legislative or administrative measures that align with its provisions, providing flexibility for different national contexts.
A Milestone in Global AI Regulation
The Council of Europe, independent from the EU and including 47 member countries, began exploring an AI framework in 2019. By 2022, a Committee on Artificial Intelligence had been formed to draft the Convention, resulting in this significant milestone in global AI governance.
Implementing the AI Convention
Signatory nations are preparing for the Convention’s implementation. The UK government, for example, plans to work with regulators and local authorities to ensure new requirements are met. This collaborative approach emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts to manage AI’s challenges and opportunities.
Conclusion
The AI Convention’s signing marks a pivotal moment in AI governance history. As AI’s role in society expands, this treaty reflects a global commitment to using AI responsibly while safeguarding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The focus now shifts to implementing this historic agreement, ensuring a safer and more equitable AI-driven future.