Japanese regulators have warned OpenAI about collecting sensitive data from users without permission and that it is prepared to take further action if there are additional concerns.
Officials in Japan are tightening their position on artificial intelligence (AI) after the country’s privacy watchdog warned the parent company of ChatGPT about its data collection practices.
The Personal Information Protection Commission of Japan stated on June 2 requesting that OpenAI reduce the quantity of sensitive data it collects for machine learning purposes. In addition, it emphasized not doing so without permission.
The commission also emphasized the need to balance privacy concerns and promote potential AI benefits, such as innovation advancement.Â
However, it did warn that it is prepared to take additional action if the matter raises different concerns.
The Japanese government submitted a draft of its AI strategy council on May 26, which raised concerns over the absence of regulations for AI and the risks it poses to society.
During this time, Takashi Kii, a Japanese lawmaker, said he would also begin advocating for regulations that protect copyright holders from AI algorithm infringement.Â
In March, ChatGPT was prohibited in Italy following Italian authorities’ review of its security protocols.
This prompted waves of uncertainty among global regulators, who also initiated investigations into the technology.
However, at the time, Japanese regulators demonstrated support for OpenAI. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated that Japan would contemplate integrating AI technology into government systems.
Matsuno noted, however, that AI integration would only be possible if privacy and security concerns were adequately addressed.
A poll conducted on April 30 revealed that 69.4% of Japanese respondents desire stricter regulations for AI development. Recent data from Simliarweb showed that Japan ranks third in OpenAI website traffic.
