The Council of Europe (COE) is nearing the end of negotiations on the creation of the world’s first international treaty on artificial intelligence (AI). This treaty aims to establish basic norms for the regulation and governance of AI, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and democratic values. Governments worldwide are grappling with the challenges posed by AI, and this treaty seeks to address the lack of consensus on its control.
The private sector, in particular, faces significant challenges in the unregulated use of AI systems. Numerous instances have shown that these systems tend to replicate bias and generate unfair outcomes, impacting areas like healthcare, hiring practices, and credit decisions. Furthermore, AI-powered surveillance systems have raised concerns about infringements on people’s rights and freedoms, as personal data is collected without restraint. To combat these issues, experts like Dr. Alondra Nelson have called for an AI Bill of Rights.
Recognizing the potential problems, the Council of Europe initiated the development of an AI treaty several years ago. The objective was to create a comprehensive agreement among nations to govern AI responsibly, prioritizing human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law. The initial recommendations proposed a legally binding treaty covering both private and public AI activities. Subsequently, a drafting committee was established.
With 46 member states and additional observer countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, and Mexico, the Council of Europe’s treaties have a global impact. Beyond the current participants, any nation can ratify these treaties.
While hopes were high for a robust framework, hurdles have emerged as negotiations approach their final stages. Whereas most of the private sector agrees on the need for regulation, countries like the United States are reportedly advocating for exceptions for private sector AI systems. Additionally, security forces are seeking to exclude national security AI systems from the treaty’s scope.
Leading AI experts have raised alarm bells about these developments. Stuart Russell, a prominent British computer scientist, emphasized that an AI treaty must address private sector AI systems as the greatest risk to public safety. Excluding them could leave nations vulnerable to foreign adversaries and justify domestic mass surveillance. Survey data from the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) supports these concerns, as a majority of its US members believe that current US regulations on managing AI are insufficient.
Civil society organizations across Europe, Canada, and the United States have joined forces to urge negotiators to eliminate the blanket exceptions for the tech sector and national security. Public concern about AI is also on the rise, with surveys indicating greater apprehension than enthusiasm among Americans.
It remains puzzling why some countries are pushing for a carve-out for private sector AI systems, considering that US President Joe Biden himself has stressed the need for regulations to protect rights and safety. President Biden has even called upon Congress to enact AI legislation, gaining bipartisan support.
To overcome these challenges, a return to first principles is suggested. The purpose of the treaty is to foster common commitments among nations. Non-European countries struggling to align with these objectives could be given more time for implementation or granted exceptions for specific purposes. Narrowing the treaty’s scope, however, would undermine the global protection of human rights and democracy. Common commitments should not be compromised by differences in legal systems or traditions.
The call for an international AI treaty is not new. Former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis and even Pope Francis have voiced concerns about unregulated AI. Pope Francis specifically emphasized the threat of a “technological dictatorship” and called for a legally binding treaty to safeguard human values. These concerns highlight the urgent need for global collaboration and the adoption of an all-encompassing AI treaty.
FAQs:
Q: What is the purpose of the AI treaty being negotiated by the Council of Europe?
A: The AI treaty aims to establish basic norms and regulations governing artificial intelligence to safeguard human rights and democratic values.
Q: Why is there a need for regulation in the private sector concerning AI systems?
A: Unregulated AI systems in the private sector have been shown to replicate bias and produce unfair outcomes, impacting areas like healthcare, credit decisions, and hiring practices.
Q: Why are there concerns about the scope of the treaty?
A: Countries like the United States are advocating for exceptions for private sector AI systems, raising questions about the level of protection for human rights and democracy.
Q: What is the role of civil society organizations in the negotiation process?
A: Civil society organizations across Europe, Canada, and the United States have urged negotiators to remove the blanket exceptions for the tech sector and national security.
Q: What are some international voices calling for an AI treaty?
A: Former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis and Pope Francis have both highlighted the need for a legally binding international treaty to regulate AI and protect human values.
Definitions:
– Council of Europe (COE): An international organization composed of 47 member states, including European countries and observer countries. It aims to promote and protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe.
– Artificial intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to perform tasks and make decisions autonomously.
– Fundamental rights: Basic rights and freedoms that are protected by law, such as the right to life, liberty, and security of person, freedom of speech, and privacy.
– Democratic values: Principles and beliefs that support democratic governance, such as equality, freedom, and the rule of law.
Related links:
– Council of Europe
– Artificial Intelligence
FAQs:
Q: What is the purpose of the AI treaty being negotiated by the Council of Europe?
A: The AI treaty aims to establish basic norms and regulations governing artificial intelligence to safeguard human rights and democratic values.
Q: Why is there a need for regulation in the private sector concerning AI systems?
A: Unregulated AI systems in the private sector have been shown to replicate bias and produce unfair outcomes, impacting areas like healthcare, credit decisions, and hiring practices.
Q: Why are there concerns about the scope of the treaty?
A: Countries like the United States are advocating for exceptions for private sector AI systems, raising questions about the level of protection for human rights and democracy.
Q: What is the role of civil society organizations in the negotiation process?
A: Civil society organizations across Europe, Canada, and the United States have urged negotiators to remove the blanket exceptions for the tech sector and national security.
Q: What are some international voices calling for an AI treaty?
A: Former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis and Pope Francis have both highlighted the need for a legally binding international treaty to regulate AI and protect human values.
The source of the article is from the blog motopaddock.nl