USA, UK & EUROPEAN UNION SIGN COUNCIL OF EUROPE’S INTERNATIONAL AI TREATY
In a notable development, United States, the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, and several other nations have signed the Council of Europe’s International AI treaty in Lithuania.
This treaty, first adopted in May 2023, is the first international legally binding agreement focused on the use of AI systems.
ABOUT THE SIGNATORIES
Signatories:
- Founding Signatories: United States, European Union, United Kingdom.
- Additional Signatories: Israel, Georgia, Norway, Iceland, Andorra, Moldova, and San Marino.
- Negotiating Participants: Japan, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and the Vatican.
PURPOSE OF THE TREATY
The treaty establishes a legal framework to govern the entire lifecycle of AI systems, addressing associated risks while encouraging responsible innovation.
It was developed in response to growing concerns over AI misuse, such as deepfakes.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM THE EU ACT?
- Scope: The Council of Europe’s treaty is open to non-European countries, unlike the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, which is applicable only within the EU.
- Regulation Focus: The CoE treaty covers both public and private sectors with varied compliance models, whereas the EU Act specifically regulates high-risk sectors.
ABOUT COUNCIL OF EUROPE
- Overview:
- Establishment: Founded in 1949, it is Europe’s oldest and largest intergovernmental organization.
- Membership: Comprises 47 member states, 27 of which are EU members.
- Headquarters: Strasbourg, France.
- Languages: English and French.
- Mandate:
- Goals: Protect democracy, human rights, and promote European unity.
- Focus Areas: Human rights, crime prevention, drug abuse, environmental protection, bioethics, and migration.
- Agreements: More than 160 international treaties and conventions, including the European Convention on Human Rights (1950) and the European Social Charter (1961).
- Structure:
- Committee of Ministers: The decision-making body.
- Parliamentary Assembly: Represents national parliaments.
- Congress of Local and Regional Authorities: Addresses local and regional issues.
- Secretariat: Implements the Council’s work.
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