The European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom have signed the first-ever international legally binding treaty aimed at addressing the risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Council of Europe announced on Thursday.
The landmark agreement, known as the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, was unveiled during a conference of justice ministers from the Council of Europe in Vilnius, Lithuania.
This treaty marks the first global effort to ensure that the use of AI systems aligns with human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law.
In a statement, the Council of Europe confirmed that the Framework Convention has been signed by several countries, including Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Moldova, San Marino, the UK, Israel, the US, and the EU.
Council of Europe Secretary-General Marija Pejčinović Burić emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards as AI continues to develop, stating, “We must ensure that the rise of AI upholds our standards, rather than undermining them.”
She praised the Framework Convention as a robust and balanced document, crafted through an open and inclusive process that incorporated a range of expert perspectives. Burić expressed hope that more countries will soon sign and ratify the treaty, allowing it to take effect swiftly.
The treaty offers a comprehensive legal framework that covers the entire lifecycle of AI systems. It aims to promote innovation and progress in AI while managing potential risks to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.