The US, Britain, and the EU will sign the first legally binding international AI treaty, marking a milestone in global AI regulation. Countries involved in lengthy negotiations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union, are set to sign the first legally binding international AI treaty. The treaty, organized by the Council of Europe, aims to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) systems and their impact on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
The AI Convention, adopted in May after years of discussion, represents a crucial step in addressing the risks AI technologies may pose while promoting responsible innovation. This treaty, negotiated by 57 countries, includes major AI developers such as the U.S., U.K., and EU nations, as well as others like Japan, Canada, Israel, and Australia.
“The Convention is a major step to ensure that AI can be harnessed without eroding essential values like human rights and the rule of law,” stated Britain’s justice minister, Shabana Mahmood.
Focus on Human Rights
The AI Convention centers on safeguarding human rights affected by AI systems and provides a framework for responsible AI usage. It is distinct from the European Union’s AI Act, which entered into force last month and applies only within the EU. In contrast, this treaty is open to global participation.
Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, described the document as “open and inclusive,” with a legal framework that governs the entire lifecycle of AI systems. She emphasized that the treaty promotes innovation while managing risks related to human rights and democratic principles.
Key Treaty Requirements
As AI continues to advance, the US, Britain, and the EU will sign the first legally binding international AI treaty to promote responsible innovation. The treaty requires signatories to implement measures that protect individuals from harmful or discriminatory AI outcomes. AI developers must ensure their systems respect privacy and equality, and provide legal recourse for those affected by AI-related human rights violations.
Peter Kyle, the U.K.’s Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology, hailed the agreement as a significant milestone, noting that it “establishes a baseline that goes beyond individual territories.”
Participation from Around the World
Countries involved in drafting the treaty include Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Moldova, San Marino, Israel, and others. To create a unified framework for AI governance, the US, Britain, and the EU will sign the first legally binding international AI treaty alongside other nations. Non-member states such as Australia, Japan, Argentina, and Mexico are expected to sign soon.
The treaty’s requirements apply to both public and private sector AI systems, encouraging global cooperation in AI governance. The convention mandates that AI technologies do not undermine democratic processes, such as judicial independence and the separation of powers.
Concerns and Criticisms
However, there are some exemptions to the treaty’s scope. AI systems used for national security or research and development purposes are not subject to the same level of scrutiny. Civil society groups, including the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL), have voiced concerns over these exemptions.
Francesca Fanucci, a legal expert at ECNL, criticized the treaty’s principles as overly broad and raised concerns about its legal certainty and enforceability. She noted that the framework allows for disparities in how AI is regulated in the private versus public sectors, which she described as a “disappointing double standard.”
Although some critics argue the treaty lacks provisions for punitive sanctions, such as fines, proponents see it as a vital first step in creating a global approach to AI regulation. Monitoring mechanisms will ensure compliance, even without strict penalties. The treaty aligns with other international efforts to regulate AI, such as the EU’s AI Act, the G7 AI pact, and the Bletchley Declaration.
Also Read: OpenAI Reached 1 Million Paid Business Users for ChatGPT, Marking a Major Milestone in AI Adoption.
