  In September 2019, the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers adopted the
terms of reference for the Ad Hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAHAI).
The CAHAI is charged with examining the feasibility and potential elements of a
legal framework for the design, development, and deployment of AI systems that
accord with Council of Europe standards across the interrelated areas of human
rights, democracy, and the rule of law. As a first and necessary step in
carrying out this responsibility, the CAHAI's Feasibility Study, adopted by its
plenary in December 2020, has explored options for an international legal
response that fills existing gaps in legislation and tailors the use of binding
and non-binding legal instruments to the specific risks and opportunities
presented by AI systems. The Study examines how the fundamental rights and
freedoms that are already codified in international human rights law can be
used as the basis for such a legal framework. The purpose of this primer is to
introduce the main concepts and principles presented in the CAHAI's Feasibility
Study for a general, non-technical audience. It also aims to provide some
background information on the areas of AI innovation, human rights law,
technology policy, and compliance mechanisms covered therein. In keeping with
the Council of Europe's commitment to broad multi-stakeholder consultations,
outreach, and engagement, this primer has been designed to help facilitate the
meaningful and informed participation of an inclusive group of stakeholders as
the CAHAI seeks feedback and guidance regarding the essential issues raised by
the Feasibility Study.
