Framework Convention on AI
The first legally binding international treaty on AI (CETS No. 225). Parties must adopt measures so that activities across the AI lifecycle are consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law - including transparency and oversight, equality, privacy, remedies for violations, and a risk and impact management framework. Opened for signature in Vilnius in September 2024; in force since November 2025, open to accession by non-member states.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
This document is for national governments, public authorities, and international stakeholders seeking to understand and implement binding legal obligations for AI governance.
What the document contains
The document covers fundamental principles for AI lifecycles, documentation and transparency obligations, mechanisms to challenge AI decisions, and requirements for risk and impact assessments. It also outlines compliance modalities for the private sector, national security exemptions, and the monitoring role of the Conference of the Parties.
The text does not provide granular technical specifications for AI developers, nor does it detail specific penalty structures for non-compliance outside of state-level treaty implementation.
- The Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence is the first international legally binding treaty addressing AI, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
- Activities within the lifecycle of AI systems must comply with core principles including human dignity, non-discrimination, transparency, and accountability.
- States are required to perform iterative risk and impact assessments and establish adequate prevention and mitigation measures.
- The treaty covers AI use by public authorities and private actors, with specific exemptions for national security and national defense matters.
- Implementation is monitored by a newly established Conference of the Parties to ensure compliance and facilitate stakeholder cooperation.
· Fundamental principles · Risk and impact management requirements · Who is covered by the Framework Convention? · How is the implementation of the Framework Convention monitored?
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
4/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
remedies for violations of human rights resulting from the activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems
Art. 14 Remedies
screening score · 2026-08-20
Fairness
4/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
shall be secured without discrimination on any ground, in accordance with their international human rights obligations
non-discrimination clause
screening score · 2026-08-20
Human Dignity
4/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
Human dignity and individual autonomy Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures to respect human dignity and individual autonomy in
Art. 7 Human dignity and individual autonomy
screening score · 2026-08-20
Human Oversight
3/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
adequate transparency and oversight requirements
Art. 8 (oversight leg)
screening score · 2026-08-20
Privacy
4/5Protection of personal data and private life
Privacy and personal data protection Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures to ensure that
Art. 11 Privacy and personal data protection
screening score · 2026-08-20
Transparency
4/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures to ensure that adequate transparency and oversight requirements
Art. 8 Transparency and oversight
screening score · 2026-08-20
Enforcement
3/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
Each Party shall adopt or maintain appropriate legislative, administrative or other measures to give effect to the provisions set out in this Convention
Art. 1(2) implementation obligation
screening score · 2026-08-20
Impact Assessment
4/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Risk and impact management framework 1 Each Party shall, taking into account the principles set forth in Chapter III, adopt or maintain measures
Art. 16 Risk and impact management framework
screening score · 2026-08-20