European Union: Published EDPS Statement regarding Plenary Meeting of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence drafting the Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law

On 11 March 2024, the 10th and final Plenary Meeting of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAI) of the Council of Europe took place, aiming to finalise the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) expressed concerns that the draft Framework Convention might not provide a strong and effective legal framework for the development and uptake of trustworthy AI. The EDPS highlighted the need for clear and strong safeguards for individuals affected by the use of AI systems and expressed concerns about the absence of "red lines" prohibiting AI applications posing unacceptable levels of risk. The EDPS emphasised the need for a common legal framework and a level playing field for AI actors in Europe and beyond.