In 2019 the OECD adopted the first intergovernmental principles on AI. They bind no one. They have nonetheless shaped almost every AI law and framework that followed.
What they say
Five values-based principles: inclusive growth and well-being; respect for the rule of law, human rights and democratic values, including fairness and privacy; transparency and explainability; robustness, security and safety; and accountability. Five recommendations to governments cover research investment, data and infrastructure, enabling policy, skills, and international cooperation.
The principles were updated in 2024 to deal with generative AI, misinformation and the environmental impact of AI, and the definition of an AI system was revised.
Where they show up
EU AI Act. Its definition of an AI system is modelled on the OECD’s.
Council of Europe. The Framework Convention on AI, the first binding international AI treaty, builds on the same values. The EU, UK and US signed it in 2024.
National policy. The UK’s principles-based approach and US federal guidance draw on the same list.
When regulators disagree on rules, they usually still agree on these principles. That makes them the safest foundation for a global AI policy.
What to do
If you need one AI policy for operations in several countries, structure it around the OECD principles and then add the specific legal duties for each jurisdiction. It is easier to defend to regulators who will recognise the vocabulary.
This article is general information on the law as at November 2026. It is not legal advice and has not been updated since that date. See the terms of use.