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27th May 2024 (12 Topics)

Europe’s AI Convention

Context

Europe, through the Council of Europe (COE), has taken a significant step in AI governance by adopting the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, known as the 'AI convention.' This convention addresses the complexities of governing AI and its implications on human rights and democracy.

Understanding the Convention

  • Scope of the Convention: The convention aims to ensure that AI activities align with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. It covers AI systems' lifecycle activities conducted by public authorities or private actors acting on their behalf. Private sector activities are also addressed to a certain extent, balancing flexibility with obligations.
  • Addressing National Security Concerns The convention addresses national security concerns through exemptions in articles 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4, which include protection of national security interests, research, development, testing, and national defense. While these exemptions are broad, they don't entirely exclude the convention's applicability in such areas.
  • General Obligations and Protection The convention emphasizes the protection of human rights, democratic processes, and the rule of law. It expects parties to take measures against issues like disinformation and deep fakes, ensuring effective remedies and procedural safeguards.

Need for the AI Convention

  • The convention does not introduce new human rights specific to AI but emphasizes the protection of existing rights.
  • It seeks to strike a balance between AI innovation and safeguarding human rights, addressing the pressing need for comprehensive AI governance.

Fact Box: About Framework Convention

  • A framework convention is a legally binding treaty that outlines broad commitments and objectives, leaving room for subsequent agreements, called protocols, to specify targets.
  • For example, the Convention on Biological Diversity is a framework convention, while the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is a protocol under it.
  • Similarly, the AI convention sets the stage for potential protocols, such as a 'Protocol on AI Risk.'

 

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