Japan to propose basic rules for AI research at G-7 meeting

The government plans to propose basic rules for the research and development of artificial intelligence at a Group of Seven meeting of ministers in charge of information and communication technology later this month, sources said Friday.

The envisioned proposal is expected to seek the establishment of eight principles, including the importance of respecting human dignity and protecting privacy when developing computer science that gives machines humanlike intelligence.

Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to present the eight principles at the two-day G-7 meeting starting on April 29 in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, and call for deeper discussions involving international organizations such as the OECD.

Artificial intelligence has advanced to the point where Google’s AI program AlphaGo was recently able to defeat a Go grandmaster for the first time.

AI technologies are expected to generate an economic return of around ¥121 trillion in Japan by 2045, according to an estimate that the government plans to present to the G-7 meeting.

Amid concern that AI could eventually pose a threat to humans, the envisioned eight principles will urge AI research and development to ensure respect for human life and dignity.

The principles are also expected to note the importance of protecting people’s privacy and the need for developers to be accountable to users.

The government will also likely seek understanding on the importance of promoting collaboration and fair competition among companies engaged in the development of AI technologies.

The copyright of music, novels, and other products created through AI are also expected to be a topic of the meeting involving Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.

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