The UK has signed a landmark AI safety treaty aimed at protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law from potential threats posed by the technology.
Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood signed the Council of Europe’s AI convention today as part of a united global approach to managing the risks and opportunities.
“Artificial intelligence has the capacity to radically improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of public services, and turbocharge economic growth,” said Lord Chancellor Mahmood.
“However, we must not let AI shape us—we must shape AI. This convention is a major step to ensuring that these new technologies can be harnessed without eroding our oldest values, like human rights and the rule of law.”
The treaty acknowledges the potential benefits of AI – such as its ability to boost productivity and improve healthcare – whilst simultaneously addressing concerns surrounding misinformation, algorithmic bias, and data privacy. It will compel signatory nations to monitor AI development, implement strict regulations, and actively combat any misuse of the technology that could harm public services or individuals.
Keiron Holyome, VP UKI & Emerging Markets at BlackBerry, commented: “To truly outrun cybercriminals and maintain a defensive advantage, robust frameworks for AI governance and ethical standards must be established, ensuring responsible use and mitigating risks.
“The first legally binding international AI treaty is another step towards such recommendations for both AI caution and applications for good. Collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and academia will be increasingly essential for sharing knowledge, developing best practices, and responding to emerging threats collectively.”
Crucially, the convention acts as a framework to enhance existing legislation in the UK. For example, aspects of the Online Safety Act will be bolstered to better address the risk of AI systems using biased data to generate unfair outcomes.
The agreement focuses on three key safeguards:
- Protecting human rights: Ensuring individuals’ data is used responsibly, their privacy is respected, and AI systems are free from discrimination.
- Protecting democracy: Requiring countries to take proactive steps to prevent AI from being used to undermine public institutions and democratic processes.
- Protecting the rule of law: Placing an obligation on signatory countries to establish robust AI-specific regulations, shield their citizens from potential harm, and ensure responsible AI deployment.
While the convention initially focuses on Council of Europe members, other nations – including the US and Australia – are being invited to join this international effort to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.
Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, commented: “AI holds the potential to be the driving force behind new economic growth, a productivity revolution and true transformation in our public services, but that ambition can only be achieved if people have faith and trust in the innovations which will bring about that change.
“The convention we’ve signed today alongside global partners will be key to that effort. Once in force, it will further enhance protections for human rights, rule of law, and democracy—strengthening our own domestic approach to the technology while furthering the global cause of safe, secure, and responsible AI.”
The UK Government has pledged to collaborate closely with domestic regulators, devolved administrations, and local authorities to ensure seamless implementation of the treaty’s requirements once it is ratified.
The signing of the convention builds on the UK’s previous efforts in responsible AI by hosting the AI Safety Summit and co-hosting the AI Seoul Summit, as well as establishing the world’s first AI Safety Institute.
See also: UK adjusts AI strategy to navigate budget constraints
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