Japan presents global regulatory framework for generative AI

PARIS (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday presented an international framework for the regulation and use of generative artificial intelligence, joining global governance efforts over the rapidly evolving technology.

Kishida made the announcement in a speech at the Paris-based Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

“Generative AI has the potential to be a vital tool to further enrich the world,” Kishida said, according to a transcript of his speech provided in advance. However, he added, “we must also confront the dark side of AI, such as the risk of misinformation.”

When Japan chaired the Group of Seven most industrialized nations last year, it launched the so-called Hiroshima AI Process to draw up international standards and a code of conduct for artificial intelligence developers.

Some 49 countries and regions have signed the voluntary framework, called the Group of Friends of the Hiroshima AI Process, said Kishida, who did not identify any. Members will work to apply the principles and code of conduct to address the risks of generative AI and “foster cooperation to ensure that people around the world can benefit from the use of safe and trustworthy AI,” he said.

The European Union, the United States, China and many other countries have rushed to introduce rules and oversight for AI, while international bodies such as the United Nations try to determine how to oversee it.