The EU is among the convention’s signatories, as are the US, Israel and various European nations, all of which are committed to work together to tackle the risks of technology
The UK has signed an international treaty in which a variety of countries have pledged to ensure that the rise of artificial intelligence does not damage human rights or democratic and judicial systems.
The Council of Europe Framework Convention on artificial intelligence and human rights, democracy, and the rule of law has been signed, on behalf of the UK, by justice secretary Shabana Mahmood. Representatives of the US and the European Union have also formally supported the treaty, as have the nations of Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, the Moldova, San Marino, and Israel.
The convention is comprised of “three over-arching safeguards”, according to the government.
The first of these concerns the protection of human rights, “including ensuring people’s data is used appropriately, their privacy is respected and AI does not discriminate against them”.
Related content
- Experts warn UK could still be ‘powerless’ to tackle AI risks despite government’s £100m plan
- EXCL: DWP prohibits officials’ use of ChatGPT but progresses work on internal AI
- AI Safety Summit: Major nations sign cooperation agreement recognising technology’s ‘potential for catastrophic harm’
The second core tenet is to protect democracy from the risks created by AI, and “take steps to prevent public institutions and processes being undermined”.
The final area of focus is to safeguard the rule of law, by creating legislation dedicated to “AI-specific risks”.
In committing to the treaty, the signatory countries and blocs will take both individual and collective action to “monitor [AI’s] development and ensure any technology is managed within strict parameters”, the government said.
To help ensure that, once ratified, the treaty can be smoothly implemented in the UK, in the coming weeks and months government will engage with regulators, local councils, and devolved administrations. After the convention comes into effect, existing legislation “will be enhanced”, where necessary.
Mahmood said: “Artificial Intelligence has the capacity to radically improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of public services, and turbocharge economic growth. However, we must not let AI shape us – we must shape AI. This convention is a major step to ensuring that these new technologies can be harnessed without eroding our oldest values, like human rights and the rule of law.”
