Japan's Digital Minister Hisashi Matsumoto warned the nation could become an "AI colony" if it lags in AI development. He is advocating for a bill to amend data protection laws, allowing AI developers to use data without individual consent to boost domestic capabilities and competitiveness.
Japan's government is attempting to balance the need for rapid AI development with data privacy concerns, as failure to keep pace could significantly impact its global economic competitiveness.
Japan's Digital Minister, Hisashi Matsumoto, has issued a stark warning that the nation could become an "AI colony" if it does not accelerate its progress in artificial intelligence. Matsumoto is advocating for a bill that would amend Japan's personal data protection law. This proposed amendment aims to permit AI developers to train their models using data, including medical and criminal records, without requiring explicit consent from individuals. The minister stressed the urgency of this measure, stating that Japan cannot afford to lag behind in the rapidly evolving global AI landscape, which is intensifying with competition led by the U.S. and China. The bill passed the lower house of parliament and is now being debated in the upper house. Japan's government is increasing efforts, including subsidies and legal changes, to support domestic AI development, while also seeking investment and technology access from U.S. firms like Microsoft and OpenAI, and backing domestic players like SoftBank and Sakura Internet to build homegrown AI capabilities.
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