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It is the world’s first legally binding AI treaty, and other countries, including the US and Australia, are invited to join
This week, the Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood will sign a new international agreement to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law from potential risks posed by AI.
The treaty, agreed by the Council of Europe, commits countries to work together to regulate AI and prevent its potential misuse. While AI offers benefits like improved productivity and analytics, it also poses risks, such as spreading misinformation or using biased data. The treaty ensures that nations monitor AI developments and manage the technology responsibly.
Once ratified, it will strengthen existing UK laws and regulations on AI.
The agreement has three principles:
Protection of human rights – ensuring personal data is handled appropriately, privacy is respected, and that AI systems do not discriminate.
Preservation of democracy – preventing AI from undermining public institutions and processes.
Upholding the rule of law – requiring countries to regulate AI-specific risks and protect citizens from potential harm.
“Artificial Intelligence has the capacity to radically improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of public services, and turbocharge economic growth,” said Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood in a statement. “However, we must not let AI shape us – we must shape 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,” Mahmood concluded.
Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, echoed this sentiment and invited governments around the world to join the treaty
“Once in force, [the treaty] will further enhance protections for human rights, rule of law and democracy, – strengthening our own domestic approach to the technology while furthering the global cause of safe, secure, and responsible AI,” he said.
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