US, EU, and Britain to Sign First Global AI Treaty Addressing Human Rights and Innovation

On Thursday, the US, Britain, and the European Union will sign the world’s first legally binding AI treaty. The agreement, developed by the Council of Europe, aims to address the human rights challenges posed by AI systems while promoting responsible innovation.

US, Britain, and EU to Sign Historic AI Agreement

Members of the European Union, the US, and the UK, among others, will be able to sign the first ever legally enforceable international AI treaty on Thursday, according to the Council of Europe's human rights organization.

Reuters reports that 57 nations met in May to ratify the AI Convention, a long-awaited document that promotes responsible innovation while addressing potential hazards posed by AI.

Britain Emphasizes Protecting Human Rights in AI

"This Convention is a major step to ensuring that these new technologies can be harnessed without eroding our oldest values, like human rights and the rule of law," stated Britain's justice minister Shabana Mahmood.

In contrast to the EU AI Act, which went into effect last month, the AI Convention is primarily concerned with safeguarding the human rights of individuals impacted by AI systems.

AI Act Governs EU’s Internal AI Market

The Artificial Intelligence Act of the European Union contains extensive rules on the creation, implementation, and utilization of AI systems within the internal market of the EU.

According to MSN, all twenty-seven member nations of the European Union are part of the 47-member Council of Europe, which was established in 1949 and is separate from the European Union. Its mission is to protect human rights.

Feasibility Study for AI Convention Began in 2019

The 2019 feasibility study of an AI framework convention was initiated by an ad hoc group; in 2022, a group on Artificial Intelligence was established to develop and negotiate the language.

To implement the provisions, the signatories are free to use legislative, administrative, or other means at their discretion.

The federal government of the United Kingdom has pledged to collaborate with devolved administrations, local governments, and regulators to properly execute its new regulations.