The first legally binding international AI treaty to be signed by the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union members from Thursday, on Sept 5. This landmark agreement, known as the AI Convention, aims to address AI risks while promoting responsible innovation.
The AI Convention, which was adopted in May after discussions among 57 countries, focuses on safeguarding human rights in the face of advancing AI technologies. It is distinct from the EU AI Act, which came into force last month and regulates AI systems within the EU market.
Britain's Justice Minister, Shabana Mahmood, called the Convention a "major step" in ensuring that new technologies do not undermine core values like human rights and the rule of law.
The Council of Europe, which oversees the Convention, is an international body separate from the EU. Founded in 1949, it has 47 member countries, including all 27 EU member states.
The AI Convention's draughting began in 2019 with an ad hoc committee and was further developed by the Committee on Artificial Intelligence formed in 2022. Signatory countries will need to implement measures to comply with the treaty's provisions.
However, Francesca Fanucci, a legal expert from the European Centre for Not-for-Profit Law, criticised the treaty. She described it as "watered down" and "overbroad," raising concerns about its legal certainty and enforceability. Fanucci also pointed out issues like exemptions for national security and limited scrutiny of private companies.
The UK government plans to collaborate with regulators and local authorities to ensure effective implementation of the treaty’s requirements.
