US and other countries sign first international AI safeguarding treaty
The US, United Kingdom, and European Union, among others, signed the world’s first international treaty on AI safeguards yesterday (September 5).
The Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence was created by the Council of Europe. It will be legally binding and shall ensure “that the use of AI systems is fully consistent with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law”.
Each country that signs the treaty will have to implement legislation or other measures to uphold it.
Historic moment! The #CoE opens the first-ever legally binding global treaty on #AI and human rights.
Signed by EU , this Framework Convention ensures AI aligns with our values.
#HumanRights #Innovation #Democracy #GlobalTreaty
— Council of Europe (@coe) September 5, 2024
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić said: “We must ensure that the rise of AI upholds our standards, rather than undermining them. The Framework Convention is designed to ensure just that.
“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. The Framework Convention is an open treaty with a potentially global reach.”
What are the aims of the AI treaty?
The framework sets out principles for AI systems and hopes to “fill any legal gaps”. These include keeping user data safe, obeying the law, and remaining transparent
The Council of Europe says it is taking a neutral approach to emerging technologies “to stand the test of time”. The treaty hopes to further AI innovation while mitigating any risks to democracy.
The Framework Convention will come into force three months after it has been ratified by five signatories. Other countries from across the globe will also be able to sign up to it if they wish.
This AI treaty is particularly significant as many countries have their own legislation in the pipeline. Just last week Senate Bill 1047 passed the California Assembly. It will hold AI creators liable for damages of over $500 million if it is signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Image credit: Council of Europe
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