Today, 5 September, an international, legally binding convention aimed at ensuring respect for human rights, the rule of law and democratic legal standards in the use of artificial intelligence systems was signed at the Council of Europe Justice Ministers' Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania. Experts from the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM) participated in the drafting and content analysis of the Convention.
Inga Bērziņa, Minister of the Ministry of the Smart Administration and Regional Development, said: 'The Artificial Intelligence Convention signed by the Council of Europe is an important step to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law at a time when various artificial intelligence systems are developing rapidly. Public institutions around the world have a duty to support technologies that are friendly, safe and innovative for the development of society. As part of Europe, it is important for Latvia to be an active participant in this process, and experts from the VARAM have already contributed to the development of this Convention."
Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, the United Kingdom, as well as Israel, the United States and the European Union signed the Framework Convention.
The Treaty will enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiry of three months from the date of ratification by five signatories, including at least three Council of Europe Member States. Countries from all over the world will be entitled to accede to it and to commit themselves to its provisions.
As previously reported, on 28 May this year the Council of Europe adopted the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. The Convention sets out a legal framework that covers the entire life cycle of AI systems and addresses the risks they may pose. At the same time, it also addresses the development of innovation. The Convention includes a risk-based approach to the design, development, use and decommissioning of AI systems, which requires careful consideration of all possible negative consequences that may arise from the use of AI systems.
The Convention covers the use of artificial intelligence systems in the public and private sectors. It sets out monitoring requirements tailored to specific risks, including the identification of content generated by AI systems. Parties will be required to adopt measures to identify, assess, prevent and mitigate potential risks and to assess the need for national agreements, bans or other appropriate measures on the use of AI systems where their risks may be incompatible with human rights standards. They will need to ensure that AI systems respect equality, including gender equality, non-discrimination and the right to privacy.