Council of Europe AI Convention (Framework Convention)

International (Council of Europe)

Open for signature (not yet in force) internationalcouncil-of-europetreatybindinghuman-rightsfirst-international-treaty

Overview

JurisdictionInternational (Council of Europe)
StatusOpen for signature (not yet in force)
Signed DateSep 5, 2024
Effective DateTBD — requires 3 ratifications to enter into force
Enforcement BodyCouncil of Europe Conference of Parties (to be established upon entry into force)
Affected EntitiesCountries ratifying the convention (currently open to Council of Europe members and non-member states)

Scope

First international treaty on AI. Covers AI systems' lifecycle, protecting human rights, democracy, and rule of law. Open to non-European countries. Binding on ratifying parties.

Key Requirements

  • Protection of human rights in AI development and use
  • Safeguarding democracy in AI deployment
  • Upholding rule of law with AI systems
  • Transparency and accountability obligations
  • Risk assessment and mitigation framework
  • Cross-border cooperation on AI risks
  • Remedies for AI-caused harms

Penalties

Treaty obligations enforced through international law; monitoring mechanism to be established.

Sources