Artificial Intelligence (AI) raises important and urgent issues. AI is already with us – changing the information that we receive, the choices that we make and the ways in which our societies function. In the coming years it will play an even greater role in how governments and public institutions operate, and in how citizens interact and participate in the democratic process.
AI presents both benefits and risks. It is the role of the Council of Europe to ensure that human rights, democracy and the rule of law are protected and promoted in the digital environment. So, we need to ensure that AI is used to promote and protects our standards.
Our organisation has on many occasions demonstrated its ability to pioneer new standards, which have then become global benchmarks. We are addressing AI in line with this practice, using a multistakeholder approach with other international organisations, civil society, business and academia.
The recent adoption by the Committee of Minister of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on artificial intelligence and human rights, democracy and the rule of law is an extraordinary achievement.
This first-of-its-kind global legally binding instrument is designed to ensure that AI upholds common standards in human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and minimise the risk of undermining them.
It is complemented by sector-specific work throughout our Organisation.
Marija Pejčinović Burić
Secretary General of the Council of Europe
