Debate on AI regulations begins with expert panel; Government policy based on “maximize benefits, reduce risks”

On Wednesday, the government began discussing artificial intelligence regulations at a panel of experts, starting a debate on the pros and cons of introducing such regulations that will last several years.

At today’s meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Strategy Council, the basic assumptions of the government’s policy regarding regulation of artificial intelligence were presented, including a proposal to impose a legal obligation on the main creators of artificial intelligence to disclose certain information.

The core principles suggest “maximizing the benefits and reducing the risks” of artificial intelligence to ensure global competitiveness and improve quality of life in Japan. Specific threats to consider include human rights violations, security crimes and intellectual property rights violations.

In April, the government established non-binding guidelines that require AI providers to take security into account. The fundamental principles state that appropriate regulation should be considered for “high-risk artificial intelligence systems and artificial intelligence that may lead to human rights violations and crimes.” They also note that major AI developers can be classified as high-risk because their products have a significant impact on society, and that “a legal system to supplement the guidelines may be necessary for public safety.”

Regarding AI-based disinformation, the principles note the usefulness of “disseminating technologies that provide information about the origins and history of content,” a reference to technologies such as a creator profile that allows us to identify who created information online.