The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom are about to sign a new, ground-breaking Council of Europe’s AI convention in Vilnius on September 5.

This treaty, a first-in-its-kind “legally binding international agreement” on AI, named the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence puts human rights and democracy at front and center and offers an international benchmark for AI regulation.

What You Need to Know

Global First: The agreement represents the world's first legally binding treaty on AI, prepared within 24 months, as actively participated by over 50 countries. The pact seeks to reduce fragmentation in global rules and curb the dangers of AI in various domains.

Key Features: The convention adopts a risk-based framework for AI development and deployment, holding signatories responsible for the impacts of AI systems on equality and privacy. Ensuring that victims of violations of rights relating to AI have avenues for legal redress.

The scope and exemptions will include AI systems applied to both the public and private sectors, with the exclusion of national security and research and development activities. Signatories must protect democratic processes and human rights throughout the life of AI.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite being groundbreaking, this treaty faces certain scrutiny because it does not carry specific punitive measures with itself but instead relies on monitoring for compliance. This may make it inept to enforce AI regulations.

However, it’s a much-needed international framework for AI ethics as more and more incidents of misuse of AI come to light.

For instance, Elon Musk was under fire recently for misusing AI-generated images and spreading hate about the current US presidential candidate Kamala Harris. He posted an AI-generated photo on X (formerly known as Twitter) of Kamala Harris being a communist dictator. Read More

This is not a lone incident either, things have gotten bad with AI ethics and responsible use of digital media.

In the words of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović: "This will be a new international standard for AI, balancing innovation with protection of human rights. It will be a single coordinated voice from different continents standing for responsible AI development."

Treaty is a result of these developments

G7 AI Pact (October 2023)

Europe's AI Act

Bletchley Declaration (November 2023)