COUNCIL OF EUROPE CONVENTION ON AI IS READY FOR SIGNING

The Council of Europe (COE) adopted the first international and multilateral treaty on Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the 17th May 2024, known as the COE Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and human rights, democracy, and the rule of Law, CETS No. 225 (the Convention). The Convention aims to ensure respect for human rights, the rule of law, and democracy in the development and deployment of AI. The Convention aligns with the objective of the COE, which, among other things, seeks to achieve greater unity amongst member states, particularly in the areas of respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The Convention was adopted in Strasbourg during the yearly meeting of ministers of foreign affairs of the 46 Council of Europe member states. The Convention seeks to address specific challenges that arise throughout the lifecycle of AI systems while encouraging the consideration of the broader risks and impacts related to these technologies, including, but not limited to, human health, the environment, and socio-economic aspects, such as employment and labor.