The Framework Convention is described by the Council as ‘the first-ever international legally binding treaty aimed at ensuring that the use of AI systems is fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law’. It was signed last week at a conference in Vilnius by the UK, Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Israel, the USA and the EU.
The treaty provides a legal framework covering the entire lifecycle of AI systems. Countries from all over the world are eligible to join it and commit to complying with its provisions.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: ‘It is essential that the UK takes a leading role in shaping future treaties and other international AI governance initiatives. By ensuring that AI development is responsible and remains aligned with our shared legal and ethical values, we can more safely take full advantage of the opportunities AI affords us.’
