Artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes our societies and affects fundamental rights and equality. The impact of AI on human rights and equality creates emerging opportunities and challenges. AI and algorithmic systems can bring benefits with improved and optimised services, higher efficiency and increased accessibility in certain terms. At the same time, scale and impact of the risks, which these technologies are posing to equality, are increasing if not taken seriously and considered carefully.

AI-driven technology is increasingly being utilised across private and public sectors, such as, in customer support, dynamic pricing, forecasting, fraud detection, employment screening, traffic management, resource allocation and tax, finance and migration administration. These and other AI applications can have real and serious consequences because AI and algorithmic systems can both exacerbate and create discrimination – often in ways that are difficult to identify and address.

The Council of Europe co-operation programmes and projects on AI and equality supports non-discriminatory development and deployment of AI and algorithmic systems in line with the Council of Europe and European standards and policies. The co-operation programmes provide support and aligns its activities with the work of the Steering Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI), consisting of Council of Europe member states and observers, such as civil society organisations, steering the Council of Europe’s work on equality and AI.

How AI impacts equality and discrimination? Dive into our standards, publications and activities below to learn more.