The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence

The framework aims to ensure that activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems are fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law, while being conducive to technological progress and innovation. It cover the use of AI systems by public authorities and private actors. The Framework Convention complements existing international standards on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and aims to fill any legal gaps that may result from rapid technological advances. In order to stand the test of time, the Framework Convention does not regulate technology and is essentially technology-neutral.

The Framework Convention covers the use of AI systems by public authorities – including private actors acting on their behalf – and private actors.

Work was initiated in 2019, when the ad hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAHAI) was tasked with examining the feasibility of such an instrument. Following its mandate, it was succeeded in 2022 by the Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAI) which drafted and negotiated the text.

The Framework Convention was drafted by the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, with the participation of all observer states: Canada, Japan, Mexico, the Holy See and the United States of America, as well as the European Union, and a significant number of non-member states: Australia, Argentina, Costa Rica, Israel, Peru and Uruguay.

The framework has been published in other languages than English as well. You can find it here.