Japan is planning to create a new set of rules to guide the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced this decision on Friday, following concerns raised by the sudden rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company.
During a parliamentary session, Ishiba said that AI is very important for solving Japan’s problems, especially low productivity. However, he also warned that AI can spread false information quickly, which can be dangerous.
“We need a clear plan to support AI research and development while ensuring safety and security,” Ishiba told lawmakers in the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives.
His statement came after DeepSeek shocked the tech world by launching an AI model that works as well as OpenAI’s ChatGPT but was created at a much lower cost. This development worried many AI experts and investors.
The Risk of Misinformation in AI
AI systems like chatbots learn from huge amounts of data. However, Ishiba warned that if AI is trained using incorrect or biased information, it can spread wrong facts all over the world very quickly.
“When certain information is chosen to train AI, whether by accident or on purpose, it can spread globally at an alarming speed,” he said. His comment was in response to a ruling party lawmaker who raised concerns about DeepSeek’s AI.
One example of misinformation came from Itsunori Onodera, a former Japanese defense minister. He said that when DeepSeek’s chatbot was asked about the Senkaku Islands, it claimed that the islands belong to China. This statement caused concern because Japan considers the Senkaku Islands as part of its territory, while China also claims ownership.
The Senkaku Islands, located in the East China Sea, are uninhabited but have been a source of tension between Japan and China for years. While Japan manages the islands and sees them as its own, China argues that they belong to them based on history and international law.
Concerns Over AI Data Collection
DeepSeek’s chatbot quickly became popular, attracting millions of users. However, many governments and businesses have started to block or restrict access to it. Their main concern is how the chatbot collects and uses data from its users.
Although Japan has not yet decided to limit DeepSeek’s use, the government is carefully studying the risks. Officials are considering introducing laws to manage AI in a safe and responsible way.
Ishiba said that the government is preparing a law to regulate AI development. This law is expected to be discussed in parliament before the end of the current session on June 22.
“Our biggest challenge is to create a law that makes AI useful and safe at the same time,” Ishiba stated.
Japan’s AI Strategy Moving Forward
Japan wants to encourage AI development but also make sure that it is used properly. The government’s main focus is to find a balance between making AI useful and preventing risks such as misinformation, security threats, and unfair data usage.
The new AI policy will likely include:
- Encouraging AI Research and Development – Japan wants to stay competitive in AI technology. This means increasing investment in AI projects while ensuring ethical standards.
- Ensuring AI Safety and Security – The government will introduce measures to prevent AI from spreading false or misleading information. This includes setting rules on how AI is trained and what data is used.
- Protecting User Data – Since many AI models collect information from users, Japan will set guidelines to ensure that personal data is not misused.
- International Cooperation – Since AI technology is advancing rapidly worldwide, Japan may work with other countries to create global AI safety standards.
- Regulating AI Companies – The government may introduce rules that require AI companies to be more transparent about how their technology works.
Challenges in AI Regulation
Creating AI laws is not easy because technology is always changing. If rules are too strict, they could slow down AI innovation in Japan. But if there are no rules, AI could be misused, leading to serious problems like privacy violations, job losses, and misinformation.
Another challenge is competition from other countries. AI development is moving fast, especially in the United States and China. If Japan does not act quickly, it may fall behind in the AI race.
At the same time, some experts worry that new laws could give too much power to the government over AI companies. It will be important for Japan to create fair and balanced policies that protect people without stopping AI growth.
Japan is taking AI development very seriously. The rise of DeepSeek has made it clear that AI technology can advance quickly and create new challenges. While AI offers many benefits, such as improving productivity and solving complex problems, it also comes with risks, including misinformation and security threats.
By introducing clear AI policies, Japan hopes to create a system where AI is developed safely and used responsibly. The government is expected to introduce new AI regulations soon, ensuring that AI benefits society while minimizing risks.
