Japan's AI strategy efavours a risk-based, agile, and multistakeholder process, focusing on key areas such as productivity, healthcare, mobility, and information security. The strategy aims to contribute to resolving global issues through the concept of "Society 5.0". In 2019, Japan developed the "Social Principles of Human-Centric AI", which emphasises dignity, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. These principles promote fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI systems.
Japan has played a significant role in shaping global AI policy. In 2019, it hosted the G20 Leaders' meeting, which led to the endorsement of the OECD AI Principles. The country has also promoted the concept of Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT), which has gained traction in international policy discussions. More recently, Japan led the G7 Hiroshima AI Process, resulting in the world's first international framework on generative AI.
Japan updated its Act on Protection of Personal Information (APPI) in 2022, achieving an adequacy decision from the European Commission for cross-border data flows. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) supervises APPI implementation. In terms of AI governance, Japan favours non-binding guidance over prescriptive regulation. The country has developed AI R&D Guidelines and AI Utilisation Guidelines, and updated its Governance Guidelines for Implementation of AI Principles in 2022.
Despite its leadership in AI policy, Japan faces challenges in certain areas. Facial recognition technology is widely deployed in transportation, banking, policing, and immigration, but there is a lack of specific legislation for its government use. Critics warn of the potential for a surveillance society without strict regulations. Additionally, Japan lacks a general right to algorithmic transparency in its laws, although some sector-specific provisions exist, such as in financial services.
Another area of concern is Japan's stance on lethal autonomous weapons. While the country participates in international talks, it does not support the negotiation of a new treaty and has blocked advancement in UN talks on legally binding measures.
Japan has endorsed several international AI initiatives, including the OECD AI Principles, G20 AI Principles, and the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. The country is also a member of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and participates in the Council of Europe's work on AI regulation. In 2023, Japan endorsed the Bletchley Declaration at the AI Safety Summit, further demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation on AI governance.
This country report is our interpretation and summary of the "CAIDP Artificial Intelligence & Democratic Values Index 2023". The full report can be found here - https://www.caidp.org/reports/aidv-2023/