International Treaty on AI Risks Signed by Multiple Nations

In a landmark development, the EU, US, and UK have signed the Council of Europe’s first-ever international legally binding treaty aimed at addressing the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

The Framework Convention on artificial intelligence, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law was opened for signature during a conference of Council of Europe ministers of justice in Vilnius, Lithuania.

This treaty is designed to ensure that AI systems align with fundamental human rights and democratic principles. Notable signatories include Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Moldova, San Marino, the UK, Israel, the US, and the EU. Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric emphasized the importance of upholding standards in the face of AI advancements, stating that the convention is the result of an inclusive drafting process that incorporates diverse expert perspectives.

The Framework Convention is open for global participation, with hopes that it will attract further signatures and prompt swift ratifications to enable its enforcement. The treaty establishes a legal framework that encompasses the entire lifecycle of AI systems, promoting innovation while effectively managing potential risks to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.