Several countries including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and others have signed an AI safety treaty introduced by the Council of Europe (COE), an international organization focusing on standards and human rights. This groundbreaking treaty, known as the Framework Convention on artificial intelligence and human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, was opened for signature in Vilnius, Lithuania. It is the first legally binding international agreement aimed at ensuring that AI systems adhere to democratic values, focusing on protecting human rights, safeguarding democracy, upholding the rule of law, and establishing a legal framework for AI systems. Beyond the US, UK, and EU, signatories include Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Moldova, San Marino, and Israel, with potential for other countries to join in the future. COE secretary general Marija Pejčinović Burić emphasized the importance of the treaty in ensuring AI aligns with established standards. The treaty will come into effect following ratification by at least five signatories, including three COE member states. This treaty complements other recent efforts to regulate AI, such as the UK’s AI Safety Summit, the G7-led Hiroshima AI Process, and the UN’s AI resolution.
