Canada and Japan have officially signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, becoming part of an international treaty alongside eleven existing signatories. The signing took place ahead of the Council of Europe’s side event on African engagement in global AI governance, organized during the AI Action Summit in France.
The treaty establishes a legal framework for AI governance, covering its entire lifecycle while fostering innovation and mitigating risks to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Designed to be technology-neutral, it aims to remain relevant as AI evolves.
Originally opened for signature on September 5 in Vilnius, Lithuania, the convention has already been signed by Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Montenegro, Norway, Moldova, San Marino, the United Kingdom, Israel, the United States, and the European Union.
Negotiations included 46 Council of Europe member states, the EU, and observer nations such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, the Holy See, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay. Representatives from the private sector, civil society, and academia contributed as observers.
As the first legally binding international AI treaty, it ensures AI systems align with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The Framework Convention will take effect three months after at least five signatories, including three Council of Europe member states, complete ratification, allowing more countries to join and adhere to its provisions.
Source: Swifteradio.com
