The Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence

The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law was created amid accelerating AI deployment and risks of misuse, discrimination, and threats to democracy, responding to demands for a common international framework aligned with human rights and the rule of law. It establishes binding principles requiring Parties to ensure AI systems respect these values throughout their lifecycle, with safeguards on transparency, accountability, oversight, dignity, and protection of democratic processes. As the world’s first legally binding AI treaty, it sets global standards for trustworthy AI, harmonises national measures, and provides a basis for international cooperation while allowing supplemental instruments for specific issues.