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First countries sign up to binding AI treaty

The EU, the US, and Britain are among the early signatories to the first binding international treaty on artificial intelligence (AI).

The Council of Europe’s framework convention on AI and human rights, democracy, and the rule of law was opened for signature yesterday (5 September) at a conference of ministers in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

The treaty is aimed at ensuring that the use of AI systems is fully consistent with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

The framework convention was adopted by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in May.

‘Global reach’

Marija Pejčinović Burić (Council of Europe secretary general) described the convention as “an open treaty with a potentially global reach”.

“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,” she added.

The treaty will enter into force on the first day of the month after the expiration of a period of three months after the date on which five signatories – including at least three Council of Europe member states – have ratified it.