Master of the Rolls delivers speech on AI and Article 6 ECHR
The Master of the Rolls, Sir Geoffrey Vos has delivered a speech at the Human Rights, Algorithmic Justice and Global AI Policy Conference at Durham University, addressing the potential need to amend the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) to protect human rights in the age of advanced AI. Vos highlighted the evolving acceptance of technology in society and questioned whether machines should make decisions traditionally made by humans, such as in judicial contexts. He noted the EU's AI Act, which classifies AI systems used in judicial decision-making as ‘High Risk AI systems’ and contrasted this with the more accepting stance of countries like China. Vos raised three key issues: the distinction between judicial and other decision-making; the difference between judicial decision-making and legal advice; and the rights needed to ensure just and fair decision-making in addition to Article 6 of the ECHR. He argued that judicial decisions are unique as they are the final recourse for individuals and businesses and expressed scepticism about AI being considered an ‘independent and impartial tribunal’ under Article 6. Vos concluded by emphasising the need for ongoing debate on the appropriate use of AI in judicial decision-making and the protection of human rights in this context.