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Source- This post on Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence has been created based on the article “Explained: The significance of the first global ‘legally binding’ pact on use of AI” published in “Indian Express” on 6th September 2024.
Why in News?
The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom (UK) are set to sign the Council of Europe’s convention on artificial intelligence (AI). This marks the first international treaty that is “legally binding” on the use of this groundbreaking technology.
About Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence marks the first international legally binding treaty on AI regulation. 2. It opens opportunity for global regulation, with a risk-based approach to AI systems’ design, development, use, and decommissioning. |
| Aim | 1. To create uniform standards across nations, ensuring AI is developed and used responsibly while preserving the rule of law and democracy. 2. To address the growing concerns about the risks and ethical challenges posed by AI technologies. |
| Scope of the treaty | 1. The treaty applies to AI systems in the public and private sectors, with certain exemptions, such as national security and research & development. 2. It mandates that AI tools and processes remain consistent with human rights obligations. |
| Signatories | 1. The treaty was drafted over two years by representatives from over 50 countries. 2. The United States, European Union, and United Kingdom are expected to sign the treaty. 3. The treaty is seen as a global response to the need for a unified approach to AI regulation, complementing other regional initiatives like the G7 AI pact and Europe’s AI Act. |
| Focus | The treaty emphasizes the protection of human rights in AI applications across public and private sectors. |
| Signatories’ Responsibilities | i) Signatory nations are accountable for AI systems producing harmful or discriminatory outcomes. ii) Nations must ensure that AI systems respect equality and privacy rights, and victims of AI-related rights violations must have legal recourse. iii) Nations must ensure that AI systems do not interfere with the integrity of democratic institutions. iv) There are obligations to safeguard public debate, ensure fair access to information, and allow individuals to freely form opinions without AI manipulation. |
| Compliance | 1. While the treaty is legally binding, it does not include punitive measures such as fines. 2. Compliance will be ensured primarily through monitoring, which has raised concerns about its enforcement effectiveness. |
| Concerns | Critics argue that despite being legally binding, the absence of punitive sanctions weakens its enforcement. Monitoring alone may not provide a strong deterrent against violations or misuse of AI technologies. |
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