A groundbreaking international treaty on artificial intelligence (AI) is set to be signed by the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and several other countries.
This treaty, known as the AI Convention, represents the first legally binding global agreement on the use of AI systems, addressing the potential risks posed by the technology while promoting innovation.
The treaty, which was adopted after years of negotiations involving 57 countries, primarily focuses on protecting human rights and upholding democratic values. It was developed by the Council of Europe, a human rights organization that oversees legal frameworks for its 46 member states. It aims to set global standards for the ethical use of AI.
Key Objectives of the AI Convention
The AI Convention seeks to manage the risks that AI systems may pose to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. It establishes principles around AI use, such as safeguarding personal data, ensuring non-discrimination, promoting transparency, and maintaining human dignity. As AI technologies become more integrated into public and private sectors, these principles aim to prevent misuse, such as biased decision-making or the spread of misinformation.
UK Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood described the treaty as a significant step in ensuring that AI can be used to enhance public services and drive economic growth without undermining fundamental human rights. The treaty offers countries the flexibility to implement legislative, administrative, or other measures to ensure compliance with these principles.
Scope and Implementation
The AI Convention covers both the public and private sectors, requiring organizations using AI systems to assess their potential impact on human rights. These assessments are to be made public, and individuals affected by AI-driven decisions will have the right to challenge those decisions and lodge complaints.
In the UK, the government is working with regulators and local authorities to implement the treaty’s provisions. The AI Convention is designed to complement existing laws, such as the European Court of Human Rights and the newly implemented EU AI Act, which specifically regulates AI in high-risk sectors.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the treaty’s ambitions, some experts have raised concerns about its effectiveness. Francesca Fanucci, a legal expert at the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, criticized the treaty for being too vague in its obligations, making it difficult to enforce. She pointed to exemptions for AI systems used in national security and limited oversight of private companies compared to the public sector.
Fanucci expressed disappointment with these double standards, questioning whether the treaty would provide sufficient legal certainty and protection for individuals affected by AI technologies.
Global Reach and Future Developments
The Council of Europe has emphasized that the AI Convention is an open treaty, inviting more countries to sign and ratify it in the future. Council Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric urged nations to adopt the treaty to ensure that AI development aligns with international human rights standards. The Council’s goal is to create a global legal framework for AI that ensures technological advances do not undermine ethical standards.
The Guardian, Deutsche Welle, and Reuters contributed to this report.
