US, UK, EU, Sign ‘First-Ever International Legally Binding Treaty’ for AI Systems

Photo Credit: Council of Europe

The US, UK, and EU have signed the ‘first-ever international legally binding treaty’ for AI systems to abide by human rights and the rule of law.The Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on artificial intelligence and human rights, democracy, and the rule of law (CETS No. 225) was open for signing today during a conference of the Council of Europe Ministers of Justice in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The convention is the first international legally binding treaty relating to AI, which has been in the works for the past few years and was formally adopted in May, following discussions between 57 countries. The Framework Convention was signed by Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, the United Kingdom, Israel, the United States, and the European Union.

The convention focuses primarily on the protection of human rights of those affected by AI systems, and is not to be confused with the EU AI Act, which also took effect last month. The EU AI Act formulates comprehensive regulations on the development, deployment, and use of AI systems within the EU market. Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe is an international organization distinct from the EU, with a mandate to safeguard human rights. All 27 EU states are members, with 46 countries in total making up its membership.

“This convention is a major step to ensuring that these new technologies can be harnessed without eroding our oldest values, lie human rights and the rule of law,” said Britain’s Justice Minister, Shabana Mahmood.

“We must ensure that the rise of AI upholds our standards, rather than undermining them. The Framework Convention is designed to ensure just that,” said Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić.“It is a strong and balanced text — the result of the open and inclusive approach by which it was drafted and which ensured that it benefits from multiple and expert perspectives. The Framework Convention is 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.”

The Framework Convention was adopted by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers on May 17, 2024. The 46 Council of Europe member states, the European Union, and 11 non-member states (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, the Holy See, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Peru, the United States of America, and Uruguay) negotiated the treaty. Contributing as observers were representatives of the private sector, civil society, and academia.

The treaty will enter into force on the first day of the month following 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. Countries worldwide will be eligible to join and commit to complying with its provisions.