Establishing a ‘legally binding instrument’ for democratic governance of AI

The Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) stressed the need for a global regulatory framework for AI, based on the protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and proposed that the Committee of Ministers support the elaboration of a “legally binding instrument” governing AI, possibly in the form of a Convention.

AI can bring about economic and social progress, and improve government transparency and democratic participation, but it can also be used to disrupt democracy through interference in electoral processes, or manipulating public opinion.

The instrument should ensure that AI-based technologies comply with Council of Europe’s standards and ethical principles such as transparency, fairness, security and privacy. Among its key objectives it should also limit the possibilities that AI is misused to damage democracy, and ensure that AI promotes government accountability.

This content has been updated on 22 February 2022 at 11 h 43 min.