The UK has signed a major AI treaty designed to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. This treaty, part of the Council of Europe’s AI convention, aims to ensure that AI technologies are used safely and responsibly. Learn more about the AI treaty.

Shabana Mahmood, the Lord Chancellor, emphasized that AI must benefit humanity. She noted, “AI can boost public services and economic growth, but we must ensure that it aligns with our values.” Explore AI regulations in the UK.

Framework for Responsible AI Use

The treaty highlights AI’s potential to improve productivity and healthcare while addressing concerns such as misinformation, bias, and data privacy. Countries that sign the treaty must monitor AI development and apply strict regulations to prevent misuse. Learn about AI governance frameworks.

Keiron Holyome, VP at BlackBerry, stressed the importance of responsible AI use. “This treaty marks a significant step towards managing AI risks and ensuring its ethical use,” he said.

Key Safeguards: Human Rights, Democracy, and Law

The AI treaty focuses on three key areas:

• Human rights: AI must respect individual privacy and be free of discrimination.
• Democracy: AI should not be used to undermine public institutions or democracy.
• Law: Countries must create clear regulations to protect citizens from harmful AI systems.

These safeguards will complement UK laws like the Online Safety Act, which addresses AI risks such as biased outcomes. Learn more about AI and human rights.

Global Collaboration for AI Safety

Although this convention mainly applies to Council of Europe members, other nations like the US and Australia are invited to join. Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, emphasized the importance of global cooperation. “AI has the power to transform economies and public services, but people must trust the technology,” Kyle said.

The UK government plans to collaborate with regulators to ensure the smooth implementation of the treaty. This treaty builds on the UK’s leadership in AI safety, including efforts like the AI Safety Summit and the creation of the AI Safety Institute.