On 5 September in Vilnius, at the Council of Europe conference of ministers of justice, an international, legally binding convention was signed with the aim of ensuring that the legal standards of human rights, the rule of law and democracy are observed in the use of artificial intelligence systems. Experts from the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM) were among those who took part in drafting the convention and analysing its content.

VARAM Minister Inga Bērziņa: “The Artificial Intelligence Convention signed by the Council of Europe is a significant step towards defending human rights, democracy and the rule of law at a time when a variety of artificial intelligence systems are developing rapidly. The task of state institutions across the world is to support technologies that are safe, innovative and beneficial to the development of society. For Latvia, as part of Europe, it is important to be an active participant in this process, and VARAM experts have already made their contribution to drafting this convention.”

The framework convention was signed by Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, the United Kingdom, as well as Israel, the United States of America and the European Union.

The treaty will enter into force on the first day of the month following the expiry of three months from the date on which five signatories, including at least three Council of Europe member states, have ratified it. Countries from all over the world will be entitled to accede to it and undertake to comply with its provisions.

As reported previously, on 28 May this year the Council of Europe adopted the convention on artificial intelligence and human rights, democracy and the rule of law (The Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law). The convention sets out a legal framework that covers the entire life cycle of artificial intelligence systems and addresses the risks they may pose. At the same time, consideration is also given to the development of innovation. The convention incorporates a risk-based approach to the design, development, use and decommissioning of artificial intelligence systems, which requires careful consideration of all the possible adverse consequences that the use of artificial intelligence systems may bring about.

The convention applies to the use of artificial intelligence systems in the public and private sectors. It lays down oversight requirements tailored to specific risks, including the identification of content generated by artificial intelligence systems. Parties will have to adopt measures to identify, assess, prevent and mitigate possible risks, and to assess the need for national agreements, bans or other appropriate measures with regard to the use of artificial intelligence systems where their risks may be incompatible with human rights standards. They will have to ensure that artificial intelligence systems respect equality, including gender equality, the prohibition of discrimination and the right to privacy.