Countries signed the first-ever international AI treaty

The Council of Europe announced the first-ever international, legally binding AI treaty, the “Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence.”

“It aims to ensure that activities within the life cycle of artificial intelligence systems are fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law while being conducive to technological progress and innovation.” 

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The newly signed agreement covers how public authorities, private enterprises and private actors from the participating countries use this technology. 

What are the AI treaty’s terms?

The Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence website says it sets in place the following safeguards:

1. Human rights: It ensures private and public groups use AI responsibly by respecting everyone’s privacy. Moreover, their technologies should not discriminate against specific people.
2. Democracies: Countries should prevent AI from undermining public institutions and democratic processes. 
3. The rule of law: Participating nations should establish AI regulations to protect their people from potential harm. Also, they must promote safe AI deployment.

AI News reports that the United Kingdom is one of the latest signatories of the agreement. Also, it shared statements from the UK authorities involved. 

Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood signed the Council of Europe’s AI treaty to join the united global approach to managing the technology’s potential.

“Artificial intelligence has the capacity to radically improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of public services and turbocharge economic growth,” Mahmood stated.

“However, we must not let AI shape us; we must shape AI,” she continued.

“This convention is a major step to ensuring that these new technologies can be harnessed without eroding our oldest values, like human rights and the rule of law.”

The Council of Europe’s 46 member states drafted The Framework Convention, with the participation of the observer states: 

• Canada
• Japan
• Mexico
• The Vatican (The Holy See)
• US
• European Union
• Non-member states like Australia, Argentina, Costa Rica, Israel, Uruguay and Peru

Other countries have been developing proprietary regulations outside the AI treaty.

For example, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers filed a proposal for the Philippines’ AI Bill last year.

It seeks the creation of the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority (AIDA).

Learn more about House Bill #7396 in this Inquirer Tech article.