In a landmark move for technological governance, the Council of Europe has introduced the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law – the first international treaty addressing AI ethics and regulation.
Launched in September 2024, this convention follows the EU AI Act and aims to establish a global approach to responsible AI development. Unlike previous regional regulations, the AI Convention seeks widespread international participation, with initial signatories including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The treaty introduces several critical principles for AI governance. It prioritises human rights, emphasising respect for human dignity, non-discrimination, and data protection. Key provisions include transparency requirements for AI-generated content, a risk-based regulatory approach, and a focus on human-supervised AI systems.
Notably, the convention differs from the EU AI Act in its broader, more flexible approach. While the EU regulation provides detailed provisions for general purpose AI systems, the international framework concentrates on overarching ethical principles. It offers private sectors the option to either directly apply the convention’s obligations or implement alternative appropriate measures.
The treaty also includes exemptions for research and development and national security activities, though human rights obligations remain paramount. However, legal experts have raised concerns about potential enforcement challenges due to the agreement’s broad principles.
To become effective, the convention requires at least five countries to complete ratification, with three being Council of Europe member states. As of October 2024, the signatories have not yet fulfilled these conditions.
Despite potential limitations, this new convention represents a significant step toward global cooperation in managing AI’s complex ethical landscape. It signals an international commitment to developing technology that respects fundamental human values and promotes responsible innovation.
For a full reading of the media release, see here.
