The Rise of Global AI Regulation
On a historic day, the UK, US, and the European Union came together to sign the world’s first legally binding treaty on artificial intelligence (AI). This groundbreaking treaty outlines essential safeguards for the development and utilization of AI, which all signatory countries agree to implement through their national laws. Simultaneously, the Australian government unveiled plans to introduce mandatory guardrails for AI in high-risk settings.
International Cooperation for AI Governance
Lawmakers worldwide are currently grappling with the challenge of regulating AI. Particularly in the music industry, there is a strong push for legal protections, especially concerning generative AI. Given the cross-border nature of AI applications, a coordinated approach among nations is essential. The new treaty, spearheaded by the Council of Europe and signed by the UK, US, and EU, emphasizes the need for collective action to manage AI products and safeguard the public from potential misuse.
Key Objectives of the Treaty
- Protecting Human Rights: Ensuring data privacy, non-discrimination, and appropriate use of personal data.
- Protecting Democracy: Safeguarding public institutions and processes from AI-related threats.
- Protecting the Rule of Law: Regulating AI-specific risks, protecting citizens, and promoting safe AI use.
Aside from the UK, several other members of the Council of Europe, such as Andorra, Georgia, and Iceland, have also signed the treaty. Countries beyond Europe, including Argentina, Japan, and Mexico, are engaged in negotiations on this landmark agreement.
Industry Concerns and Government Responses
The music industry advocates for specific legal protections in AI regulation to address copyright issues and prevent unauthorized use of performers’ voices or likenesses. The Australian government’s ten mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI aim to enhance data transparency. This move has been hailed by Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, as a step towards ensuring fair treatment of artists and rightsholders.
The Australian government is separately addressing copyright concerns related to AI, acknowledging the need to align mandatory guardrails with existing copyright laws. These proposed regulations are now open for public consultation for one month.