In a landmark move, the Council of Europe has opened the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law for signatures during a conference of Ministers of Justice in Vilnius. The treaty, also known as CETS No. 225, is the first international, legally binding agreement aimed at ensuring the use of AI systems aligns with human rights, democratic principles, and the rule of law.
The treaty was signed by several Council of Europe member states, including Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, and the United Kingdom, as well as non-member states like Israel and the United States, and the European Union. This broad range of signatories highlights the global significance of the treaty and the commitment to addressing the potential risks AI systems pose to human rights and governance.
Speaking on the historic occasion, Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić emphasized the importance of the treaty in shaping the future of AI. “We must ensure that the rise of AI upholds our standards, rather than undermining them. The Framework Convention is designed to ensure just that,” she said. “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.”
Burić added that the treaty has the potential to be far-reaching, with expectations for more signatories and rapid ratifications to allow the treaty to come into effect soon. “It is an open treaty with a potentially global reach. I hope that these will be the first of many signatures and that they will be followed quickly by ratifications, so that the treaty can enter into force as soon as possible,” she stated.
The Framework Convention offers a comprehensive legal framework covering the entire lifecycle of AI systems, from development to deployment. It aims to promote AI progress and innovation while managing the risks these technologies may pose. By being technology-neutral, the treaty is designed to stand the test of time, ensuring it remains relevant as AI systems evolve.
Adopted by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers on May 17, 2024, the treaty was the result of negotiations between the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, the European Union, and 11 non-member states, including the United States, Canada, Israel, Japan, and others. The negotiation process also benefited from the input of representatives from the private sector, civil society, and academia, who contributed as observers, ensuring a wide range of perspectives were taken into account.
The treaty will officially enter into force once at least five signatories, including three Council of Europe member states, have ratified it. Once that requirement is met, the treaty will take effect on the first day of the month following a three-month period after ratification.
Countries from around the world, whether Council of Europe members or not, will be eligible to join the Framework Convention. This global eligibility underscores the treaty’s potential to set universal standards for the responsible use of AI, particularly in safeguarding human rights and upholding democratic values.
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