Artificial Intelligence and the Need for Standards and Accountability for Protecting Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law

Within the last few years, there has been a diversity of information on the revolutionary industry of Artificial Intelligence: daily news, online articles, statements from investors and policy makers, reports and guidelines published by international organizations, new books and academic works. All of these have occurred with impressive dynamics, involving more and more people. This rich amount of data and information has brought about historical opportunities, significant progress in different activities, as well as developments in national policies. On the other hand, it has increased awareness of potential risks and raised the accountability of both public and private actors in providing a clear and effective regulation to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law within this innovative domain. Many countries have already taken legislative measures and issued rules on Artificial Intelligence. This progress marks a promising start for a global approach since the potential risks are not limited to a country or a region – the speed and inherent nature of AI can lead to a rapid spread of its negative effects worldwide, with irreversible consequences for humanity. To prevent these outcomes, significant efforts have been made at the international level to define, assess and address the risks as well as to enforce rules for governing risk management, while continuing to promote AI benefits and development. The present study aims to acknowledge the key role of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law as the first-ever international treaty on Artificial Intelligence in setting the standards for safely developing and using the AI for the benefit of humanity. It also highlights the important contribution of each party involved to what is now a coordinated path toward a safer use of Artificial Intelligence and trustworthy AI systems.