Council of Europe establishes Ad Hoc Committee on AI

The Council of Europe’s (CoE) Committee of Ministers has established an Ad Hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAHAI) tasked with conducting a feasibility study and developing potential elements of a legal framework for the development, design, and application of artificial intelligence (AI). The committee is expected to engage in broad multistakeholder consultations, and take into account existing CoE standards relevant to the design, development, and applications of digital technologies in the field of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. CAHAI is also asked to consider existing international legal instruments and work undertaken by the CoE and other organisations. Moreover, it should take due account of a gender perspective, building cohesive societies, and promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in the performance of its tasks. CoE member states will designate representatives to serve on the committee, whose activities would also be open to other CoE bodies, certain international organisations, and observers representing the private sector, civil society, and academia. CAHAI’s mandate will end on 31 December 2021.