Council of Europe Adopts First International Treaty on AI and Human Rights

The Council of Europe Framework Convention on artificial intelligence is an international treaty that establishes a legal framework for the entire lifecycle of AI systems. It addresses the risks associated with AI and promotes responsible innovation. The treaty was adopted in Strasbourg during the annual ministerial meeting of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers.

To comply with the treaty's principles and obligations, parties can either:

• Be directly obliged by the relevant convention provisions, or
• Take alternative measures to comply with the treaty's provisions while fully respecting their international obligations regarding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

This flexibility is provided to accommodate the differences in legal systems around the world.

The Council of Europe AI treaty adopts a risk-based approach to the design, development, use, and decommissioning of AI systems. This approach necessitates a careful consideration of any potential negative consequences that may arise from the use of AI systems.

The treaty covers the use of AI systems in both the public sector—including companies acting on its behalf—and in the private sector. It sets out guidelines and obligations for these sectors to ensure that the deployment of AI systems is in line with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.