The UK government has signed the first international treaty on artificial intelligence, aiming to prevent misuse of the technology, such as spreading misinformation or using biased data to make decisions. The new framework agreed by the Council of Europe commits parties to collective action to manage AI products and protect the public from potential misuse.

AI is likely to bring significant benefits, such as boosting productivity and increasing cancer detection rates. However, the new convention includes important safeguards against its risks, such as the spread of misinformation or the use of biased data that may prejudice decisions.

According to Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, “AI has the capacity to radically improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of public services and turbocharge economic growth. However, we must not let AI shape us – we must shape AI”.

The treaty will ensure countries monitor their development and manage any technology within strict parameters. It includes provisions to protect the public and their data, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. It also commits countries to act against activities outside these parameters to tackle the misuse of AI models that pose a risk to public services and the wider public.

Once the treaty is ratified and enacted in the UK, existing laws and measures will be enhanced.

As the first legally binding international treaty on AI, the Convention will ensure a united front worldwide in managing the dangers of the technology in line with our shared values. Countries outside the Council of Europe, including the United States of America and Australia, are also being invited to become signatories.

The new agreement has three over-arching safeguards:

• Protecting human rights includes ensuring people’s data is used appropriately, their privacy is respected, and AI does not discriminate against them.
• Protecting democracy by ensuring countries take steps to prevent public institutions and processes from being undermined
• Protecting the rule of law by putting the onus on signatory countries to regulate AI-specific risks, protect its citizens from potential harms and ensure it is used safely.

Source:

UK Government

Image: Council of Europe