The Future of AI: A Landmark Treaty Signed by US, Britain, and EU

TL;DR:

• The first legally binding international AI treaty will be signed by the US, Britain, EU, and other countries.
• The AI Convention focuses on protecting human rights from potential AI risks.
• Critics argue the treaty has been watered down and lacks enforceability.

A New Era in AI Governance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world rapidly. From self-driving cars to predictive analytics, AI is everywhere. However, with great power comes great responsibility. That’s why the first legally binding international AI treaty is a big deal. This treaty, known as the AI Convention, will be signed by the US, Britain, EU, and other countries. Let’s dive into what this means for the future of AI.

What is the AI Convention?

The AI Convention is a treaty that focuses on the human rights aspects of AI. It was negotiated by 57 countries and adopted in May. The Council of Europe, an international organisation safeguarding human rights, led this initiative. The treaty aims to address the risks AI may pose while promoting responsible innovation.

“This Convention is a major step to ensuring that these new technologies can be harnessed without eroding our oldest values, like human rights and the rule of law,” said Britain’s justice minister, Shabana Mahmood.

How Does the AI Convention Work?

The AI Convention allows signatories to adopt or maintain measures to give effect to its provisions. This means countries can create their own laws based on the treaty’s principles. However, the treaty has been criticised for being too broad and lacking enforceability.

Francesca Fanucci, a legal expert at ECNL who contributed to the treaty’s drafting, highlighted some flaws:

“The formulation of principles and obligations in this convention is so overbroad and fraught with caveats that it raises serious questions about their legal certainty and effective enforceability,” she said.

Criticisms of the AI Convention

Critics argue that the treaty has been watered down. Fanucci pointed out exemptions for AI systems used for national security purposes. She also noted limited scrutiny of private companies compared to the public sector, calling it a “double standard”.

Despite these criticisms, the AI Convention is a significant step forward in AI governance. It shows that countries are taking AI risks seriously and are willing to cooperate internationally.

The AI Convention vs. EU AI Act

It’s important to note that the AI Convention is separate from the EU AI Act. The EU AI Act is a comprehensive regulation on the development, deployment, and use of AI systems within the EU internal market. The AI Convention, on the other hand, is a broader treaty focusing on human rights.

What’s Next for AI Governance?

The AI Convention is just the beginning. As AI continues to evolve, so will the laws and treaties governing it. Countries will need to work together to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically.

AI in Asia: A Growing Landscape

While the AI Convention is a global initiative, Asia is also making strides in AI governance. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in AI. They are also developing their own AI regulations and ethical guidelines.

Comment and Share:

What do you think about the AI Convention? Do you agree with the critics, or do you think it’s a step in the right direction? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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