Pioneering AI Governance: The Impact of the First Global Legally Binding AI Pact and BRICS Nations’ Role

X, @EU_Commission

The world has taken a monumental step towards regulating artificial intelligence (AI) with the signing of the first global, legally binding pact on AI use. This historic convention, opened for signature in Vilnius, Lithuania, marks a significant milestone in the international governance of AI technologies. The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom are among the key signatories of this groundbreaking treaty which is officially known as the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law.

Key Commitments of the Pact

The treaty, drafted over two years by more than 50 countries, adopts a risk-based approach to the design, development, use, and de-commissioning of AI systems. It covers both public and private sector AI applications and is applicable across geographies. Here are the primary commitments member nations will adhere to:

Human Rights Protection: Signatories must ensure that AI systems are consistent with obligations to protect human rights. This includes preventing harmful and discriminatory outcomes and ensuring that AI outputs respect equality and privacy rights.

Accountability and Transparency: Countries will be accountable for any harmful outcomes of AI systems. They must provide legal recourse for victims of AI-related rights violations and ensure transparency in AI operations.

Ethical AI Development: The treaty emphasizes the ethical development of AI, ensuring that AI technologies are designed and used in ways that uphold democratic values and the rule of law.

International Cooperation: The convention promotes international cooperation in AI governance, encouraging countries to share best practices and collaborate on AI research and development.

Addressing Concerns

Despite its groundbreaking nature, the treaty has faced some concerns. Critics argue that the rapid pace of AI development might outstrip the regulatory frameworks established by the treaty. There are also worries about the enforceability of the commitments and the potential for differing interpretations among signatory nations. However, the treaty’s proponents believe that it provides a robust foundation for future AI governance and sets a precedent for international cooperation in this critical area.

BRICS Countries’ Involvement

The BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have shown a keen interest in shaping global AI governance. Although only Brazil, India and China of the BRICS countries are signatories to the Vilnius convention, all these countries are actively involvement in AI governance, which is noteworthy.

Strategic AI Cooperation: The BRICS group has been actively working on AI cooperation, with initiatives such as the AI Study Group launched in 2023 to develop AI governance frameworks and standards. This group aims to enhance collaboration among BRICS nations and address AI-related risks collectively.

Technological Ambitions: BRICS countries have ambitious plans for AI development. For instance, Russia’s National AI Strategy focuses on advancing AI technologies to boost economic and technological growth. Similarly, China has been investing heavily in AI research and development, aiming to become a global leader in AI innovation.

Joint Projects and Knowledge Sharing: BRICS nations are collaborating on various AI projects, including joint facial recognition systems and cross-border data-sharing networks. These initiatives highlight the group’s commitment to leveraging AI for economic and social development.

The first global legally binding pact on AI represents a significant step forward in the international regulation of AI technologies. By committing to ethical AI development, human rights protection, and international cooperation, the treaty sets a strong foundation for future AI governance. While the involvement of BRICS countries in this specific treaty may be limited, their ongoing efforts to shape global AI governance underscore the importance of inclusive and collaborative approaches to managing AI’s transformative impact on society.