Japan Proposes 'Friends' Meeting to Address Generative AI Regulations

Japan is considering the establishment of a new framework for international dialogue involving like-minded nations to discuss regulations on the appropriate use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, according to a government source.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to unveil the plan for launching a "Friends" meeting on AI issues at a ministerial council meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) scheduled for May 2 to 3 in Paris.

Through this framework, Japan intends to garner wider support for the "Hiroshima AI Process," an initiative launched last year by the Group of Seven (G7) nations to facilitate discussions on the creation of global rules.

The world has been grappling with the rapid development of generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, amid growing concerns about the spread of disinformation and its potential threats to democracy and political stability.

Japan aims to take a leading role in international AI rulemaking, advocating for both technology development and regulation.

The Hiroshima AI Process was established at the G7 summit chaired by Prime Minister Kishida in Hiroshima in May. In December, G7 digital ministers formulated a comprehensive policy framework within the process, focusing on promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy advanced AI systems.

Recognizing the need for universal rules and broad support, Japan sees the upcoming OECD gathering as an opportunity to emphasize the significance of the Hiroshima AI Process in addressing new global challenges.

At the third Summit for Democracy forum hosted by South Korea in March, Prime Minister Kishida highlighted the challenges posed by AI-generated fake content, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between true and false information for political decision-making.