Japan Wants ‘Softer’ AI Rules Compared to European Union

After the recent EU proposal to implement AI-governing rules, Japan is leaning towards adopting less stringent regulations for the use of artificial intelligence compared to the European Union.

Inside a case of a personal computer, with its main components visible – illustrative photo. Image credit: Artiom Vallat via Unsplash, free license

Japan sees artificial intelligence platforms as a means to drive economic growth and establish itself as a leader in advanced chip technology.

By the end of the year, Japan aims to develop an AI approach that aligns more closely with the United States’ stance rather than the strict rules advocated by the EU.

If Japan adopts a more lenient approach, it could potentially undermine the EU’s efforts to establish its regulations as the global standard. The EU’s rules include requirements for companies to disclose copyrighted material used in training AI systems that generate content like text and graphics.

Yutaka Matsuo, the chair of Japan’s AI strategy council at the University of Tokyo, referred to the EU’s rules as “a little too strict,” arguing that it is nearly impossible to specify copyrighted material used in deep learning.

Artificial intelligence – abstract artistic interpretation. Image credit: geralt via Pixabay, free license

Matsuo, who serves as the chair of the Japan Deep Learning Association, highlighted that the European Union’s focus is less on promoting innovation and more on holding already large companies accountable.

“With the EU, the issue is less about how to promote innovation and more about making already large companies take responsibility,” said Matsuo.

The advancements in generative AI, such as those driven by OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and other leading companies, have generated not only excitement but also a concern due to their potential to reshape businesses and society as a whole.

Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries, so its aim to have more relaxed AI rules is quite understandable. Image credit: Piqsels, CC0 Public Domain

EU industry chief Thierry Breton who is currently visiting Tokyo emphasized that certain aspects raise legitimate concerns, which he believes should be addressed by any democratic society. He also mentioned the importance of sharing information with partners such as Japan and the United States.

For Japan, AI represents an opportunity to tackle the challenges posed by a declining population and labor shortage. It could also drive demand for advanced chips.

Experts noted that Japan’s computing power, measured by the availability of graphics processing units (GPUs) used in AI training, lags significantly behind that of the United States.

Professor Matsuo added that even if Japan were to increase its GPUs tenfold, it would still pale in comparison to the resources available to OpenAI.

Written by Alius Noreika

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