Groundbreaking AI Agreement Reached by Global Superpowers

The first international treaty focusing on AI safety and human rights was signed by the U.S., Britain, and the EU, but what does this mean for the future?

At a Glance

The UK, US, and EU signed the first legally binding international treaty on AI on September 5, 2024.
The treaty is called the “Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law” (the “AI Convention”).
The AI Convention aims to ensure AI activities are consistent with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Signatory states must adopt measures to comply with the AI Convention.

Historic AI Safety Treaty Signed

The first-ever international AI safety treaty was signed on October 1, 2023, by the U.S., Britain, and the European Union. This landmark agreement, known as the “Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law” (the “AI Convention”), establishes stringent guidelines and oversight frameworks for AI development and deployment.

This historic accord aims to safeguard human rights in the realm of artificial intelligence by ensuring that AI activities are consistent with fundamental principles such as human dignity, equality, and privacy.

The treaty, adopted by the Council of Europe on May 17, 2024, was a result of two years of diligent drafting efforts. It was written by representatives from 46 Council of Europe member states, the EU, and 11 non-member states including Australia, Japan, and the US. This collective effort paved the way for future frameworks in global AI governance.

Key Provisions of the AI Convention

The AI Convention includes several crucial articles designed to safeguard democratic institutions and ensure compliance with human rights laws. Article 4 mandates that AI systems comply with both international and domestic human rights laws, while Article 5 requires measures to prevent AI from undermining democratic institutions.

Further, the treaty compels signatory states to adopt measures that respect human dignity, equality, and privacy. Governments must ensure that AI-generated misinformation and biased data do not proliferate unchecked.

“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,” said UK Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood in a statement.

The 🇪🇺 AI Act is a global first.

A unique legal framework for the development of AI you can trust.

And for the safety and fundamental rights of people and businesses.

A commitment we took in our political guidelines – and we delivered.

I welcome today's political agreement.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 8, 2023

International Cooperation and Future Implications

With the treaty in place, a new body will be established to promote international cooperation on AI governance. This body will work towards the global regulation of AI risks, following initiatives like Biden’s Executive Order on AI and the EU AI Act. However, the treaty does not apply to national security, defense, or AI research and development activities not yet made available for use.

Signatory states are expected to introduce safeguards against AI-generated misinformation and biased data. Companies using AI must assess and disclose the impact on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, ensuring transparency and accountability.

“We must ensure that the rise of AI upholds our standards, rather than undermining them. The Framework Convention is designed to ensure just that. I hope that these will be the first of many signatures and that they will be followed quickly by ratifications, so that the treaty can enter into force as soon as possible,” noted Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić.

The significance of this treaty cannot be overstated. As the first legally binding international treaty on AI, it sets a precedent for ethical AI practices and promotes collaboration among international stakeholders. It highlights the global recognition of the need for a measured approach to AI regulation to prevent stifling innovation while mitigating risks.