US, EU, UK Set to Sign Historic AI Treaty

September 6, 2024

The United States, European Union, and United Kingdom are preparing to sign a new and important treaty called the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. This treaty will be the first international agreement that sets legal rules for how AI technology should be developed and used, making sure that AI systems respect human rights and democratic values.

Significance of this treaty

This treaty is significant because it focuses on protecting human rights while also creating a unified approach for many countries. Without such a treaty, different nations could create their own, possibly conflicting rules for AI, which could slow down the development of technology. By having a common set of guidelines, the treaty helps ensure that AI advances safely and fairly.

How was the treaty developed?

The treaty was created over two years, with representatives from more than 50 countries contributing. It uses a “risk-based framework,” which means it looks at how risky an AI system is and sets rules accordingly. The treaty covers both government and private sector use of AI, and it holds those who use AI accountable if the technology harms people or violates rights like privacy or equality.

What are the main goals of the treaty?

The treaty has three key goals:

Protect human rights in how AI is used.
Safeguard democracy, ensuring AI doesn’t interfere with fair political processes.
Provide legal support for anyone whose rights are violated by AI systems.

What must countries do after they sign the treaty?

Once countries sign the treaty, they must make sure that:

AI systems used in their countries respect human rights.
AI does not harm democratic systems.

There are protections in place for people’s freedoms throughout the entire life of an AI system, from creation to use.

The treaty does not fully cover national security and certain research activities. However, both public and private organizations are still responsible for managing any AI-related risks in their operations.

Relate to other AI regulations

This treaty is one part of a broader effort to regulate AI globally. It aligns with other regulatory initiatives like the G7 accord on AI and the European AI Act. These efforts aim to create international standards for AI technology so that its development is safe, fair, and transparent.

While the treaty is legally binding, it doesn’t include strict enforcement tools like fines. Instead, countries will be monitored for their compliance, but there’s no strong punishment if they don’t follow the rules. This raises questions about how effectively the treaty will hold countries accountable.

Around ten countries are expected to be the first to sign the treaty, showing a commitment to responsible AI development. These nations will continue working together in international discussions to ensure AI is used in a way that benefits everyone.

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