Towards an application of AI based on human rights, the rule of law and democracy
• Methodology for assessing the risks and impacts of artificial intelligence systems from the perspective of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
• Resource model for context-based risk analysis (COBRA)
Developed by the Council of Europe’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAI), this publication brings together the HUDERIA Methodology and the HUDERIA Model: Context-Based Risk Analysis (COBRA) Resources as a practical resource for anyone seeking to assess and manage the risks and impacts of AI systems on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It explains the core concepts and process steps of HUDERIA and provides adaptable tools and supporting materials that help translate principles into day-to-day practice across the AI life cycle.
Designed to be technology-neutral and usable across different sectors, legal systems and levels of capacity, HUDERIA can support public authorities and private actors in building trustworthy, accountable and rights-respecting AI. As a non-legally binding instrument, HUDERIA can also support Parties to the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law in developing risk and impact assessment approaches aligned with the Framework Convention.
PART I – METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE RISKS AND IMPACTS OF AI SYSTEMS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF HUMAN RIGHTS, DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW INTRODUCTION
What is HUDERIA?
Relationship to the Framework Convention
Principal objectives of HUDERIA
WHAT IS THE APPROACH OF HUDERIA?
Socio-technical approach
General and specific guidance
Adaptability and flexibility
Graduated and differentiated approach
OUTLINE OF HUDERIA 1. CONTEXT-BASED RISK ANALYSIS (COBRA)
Introduction
Preliminary scoping
Analysis of risk factors
Mapping of potential impacts on human rights, democracy and the rule of law
Triage
2. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROCESS (SEP)
Introduction
Explanations
3. RISK AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Introduction
Explanations regarding the risk and impact assessment questions and prompts
Outcome of the risk and impact assessment
4. MITIGATION PLAN
Introduction
Explanations
ITERATIVE REVIEW
Introduction
Production, implementation and deployment factors
Real-world environment factors
Implementing the iterative review
PART II – RESOURCE MODEL FOR CONTEXT-BASED RISK ANALYSIS (COBRA)PREFACE
What is HUDERIA?
Relationship to the Framework Convention
General and specific guidance
COBRA RESOURCES
Introduction
Overview of COBRA Resources A, B and C
COBRA Resources A (List of risk factors arising in the AI system’s application context)
COBRA Resources B (List of risk factors arising in the AI system’s design and development context)
COBRA Resources C (List of risk factors arising in the AI system’s deployment context)
COBRA Resources E (Illustrative areas of potential concern from the point of view of human rights, democracy and the rule of law)
COBRA Resources F (Illustrative list of sectors/domains and potential areas of concern)
