Before AI Can Help the Economy, Society, and Security, Make It Trustworthy

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Artificial intelligence is certain to bring about changes in many areas, including society, industry, and the economy. With this in mind, at a December meeting, the Takaichi Cabinet adopted Japan's first basic plan to promote the use and development of AI.

Japan is lagging far behind other countries in adopting AI, which could directly impact the country's development and competitiveness. Nevertheless, the basic plan establishes the ambitious goal of Japan becoming the "country in the world where it will be easiest to develop and utilize AI."

To realize that vision, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to invest ¥1 trillion JPY ($6.4 billion USD) in related measures. However, it will not be easy to catch up with the United States, China, and other countries that have a head start in the AI race. Both public and private sectors will need to work together to effect a new strategy.

*SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son talks with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, in Tokyo on July 16th.*

Developing Japan's Own AI

With ensuring sovereignty and national security very much in mind, the plan calls for Japan to develop its own AI. It argues that creating demand in the field of robots and other areas of Japanese strength should translate into economic growth.

The effective use of AI could also transform social structures through improved efficiency and productivity. It could help solve issues related to labor shortages, work styles, and regional revitalization. Achievement of these goals would also have a tremendously positive impact.

Above all, however, it must ensure the system's trustworthiness. There is a risk that AI systems will produce incorrect answers or be maliciously exploited for criminal purposes. The government must not compromise the standards of high quality and safety that Japan has cultivated. It is only natural, therefore, that the government should aim to create "trustworthy AI." Measures to ensure greater effectiveness in this regard are of the utmost importance.

Mitigating the Risks, Giving AI a Chance

In recent years, the risks posed by AI have become apparent. They include human rights violations, information manipulation, including mischief caused by images referred to as "deep fakes," and cyberattacks.

*The photo presents a comparison of deepfake image (left) of Ukrainian President Zelenskiy posted on X (formerly Twitter) and real image (©Kyodo)*

For this reason, the plan calls for increasing staff at agencies that monitor AI's safety. It is their responsibility to monitor and take appropriate measures to ensure that the public can confidently use AI.

Meanwhile, the government has emphasized the importance of a mindset to give AI "a try." But it is also imperative to use it correctly after thoroughly understanding the risks.

Furthermore, safety should not be sacrificed in the rush to popularize its use. Appropriate measures and education are necessary to prevent addiction. Government officials will be expected to take the lead in using AI and encouraging local governments to adopt it.

Although it is likely to be effective in terms of information gathering and administrative efficiency, if AI is to be used for policy formulation, more caution will be needed. Ultimately, human beings must be the ones making the decisions.

The plan also calls for initiatives to utilize AI in scientific research. While AI can be useful for the efficient development of new drugs and other products, relying solely on it could undermine the value of scientists. We must also ensure that there is an environment that supports researchers thinking for themselves and encourages thorough research.