Switzerland signs Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence
The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law is a first-of-its-kind global legally binding instrument designed to ensure that AI upholds common standards in human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and to minimise the risk of those rights and principles being undermined as a result of the use of AI.
On 27 March 2025, Switzerland officially signed the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law in Strasbourg. Federal Councillor Albert Rösti represented the country, reaffirming Switzerland’s dedication to promoting the responsible use of AI technologies while upholding fundamental human rights.
About the treaty
This Framework Convention is the first international treaty to impose legal obligations on AI systems. It establishes guidelines to ensure that AI technologies respect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The treaty covers the full lifecycle of AI systems and emphasises essential principles such as transparency, accountability, non-discrimination, and oversight. With a technology-neutral approach, it encourages responsible innovation while addressing potential risks.
The treaty establishes seven core principles for implementing AI governance, which signatories need to adapt to their domestic legal frameworks. These principles include:
- Human dignity and individual autonomy: Ensuring AI does not undermine human dignity or reduce individuals to mere data points.
- Transparency and oversight: Maintaining transparency across the AI lifecycle, ensuring users can understand AI-generated content and decisions.
- Accountability: Clear responsibility for AI’s impact on human rights, including legal mechanisms to hold actors accountable.
- Equality and non-discrimination: Addressing and mitigating bias throughout the AI system’s lifecycle.
- Privacy and data protection: Safeguarding individuals’ privacy and controlling access to personal data.
- Reliability: Ensuring AI systems are robust, secure, and trustworthy in their outputs.
- Safe innovation: Promoting innovation that respects democratic principles and human rights, with support for regulatory sandboxes and clear guidance.
Switzerland’s involvement and future actions
Switzerland was instrumental in drafting this treaty, which the Council of Europe formally adopted in May 2024. By signing, Switzerland aligns with global efforts to regulate AI in a responsible manner. On February 12, 2025, the Swiss Federal Council confirmed its intention to ratify the treaty and update national laws accordingly. The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), working alongside other departments, will prepare legislative revisions, with public consultations expected to begin by the end of 2026.
Global implications
Unlike other regulatory frameworks, such as the EU AI Act, this treaty is open to countries beyond Europe, aiming to create a global approach to AI governance.
