The UK government has signed the first-ever international treaty to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), as part of its efforts to prevent potential misuse of the technology. Alongside the EU, US, and Israel, the UK has committed to a global framework that seeks to address concerns like AI-driven misinformation, biased decision-making, and threats to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
The “Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence” treaty was drafted by the Council of Europe, and it mandates that AI systems adhere to principles that safeguard personal data, prevent discrimination, and ensure human dignity. Under this treaty, both public and private AI users must also assess the potential impacts of their systems on human rights and democracy.
In the UK, the treaty’s provisions will be evaluated against existing laws and a consultation on a new AI bill is underway. If ratified, the treaty will reinforce current legislation, ensuring a legal basis for mitigating certain AI risks. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the balance the treaty aims to strike: promoting AI for public benefit and economic growth while safeguarding fundamental human rights.
Full Article from The Guardian Here.
