On 23 September 2020, the Committee of Ministers approved the progress report of the Ad hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAHAI), which sets out the work undertaken and progress towards the fulfilment of the committee's mandate since it was established on 11 September 2019. The progress report sets out a clear roadmap for action towards a Council of Europe legal instrument based on human rights, the rule of law and democracy. Its clear relevance has also been confirmed and reinforced by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The preliminary feasibility study, providing indications on the legal framework on the design, development of artificial intelligence based on Council of Europe's standards is expected to be examined by the CAHAI at its forthcoming third plenary meeting in December 2020.

On 11 September 2019, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe set up an Ad Hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence – CAHAI. The Committee will examine the feasibility and potential elements on the basis of broad multi-stakeholder consultations, of a legal framework for the development, design and application of artificial intelligence, based on Council of Europe's standards on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The Ad hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAHAI), an intergovernmental committee set up by Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to examine the feasibility of a legal framework for the development, design and application of artificial intelligence based on the organisation s standards on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, is holding its first meeting in Strasbourg from 18 to 20 November. The committee, which brings together representatives from the organisation s 47 Member States, will have an exchange of views with leading experts on the impact of AI applications on individuals and society, the existing soft law instruments specifically dealing with AI and the existing legally binding international frameworks applicable to AI. It will also examine different national initiatives, policies and strategies, as well as the work undertaken so far by the Council of Europe and other organisations in this field. In addition, the CAHAI will discuss the content of a feasibility study on a Council of Europe legal framework on AI, which will be completed following broad multi-stakeholder consultations with the private sector and civil society. Important issues which might be addressed by the feasibility study include the need for a common definition of AI, the mapping of the risks and opportunities arising from AI, notably its impact on human rights, rule of law and democracy, as well the opportunity to move towards a binding legal framework.

During its 1353rd meeting on 11 September 2019, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe set up an Ad Hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence – CAHAI. The Committee will examine the feasibility and potential elements on the basis of broad multi-stakeholder consultations, of a legal framework for the development, design and application of artificial intelligence, based on Council of Europe's standards on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.