The Japanese privacy watchdog has cautioned OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed company responsible for the ChatGPT chatbot, about collecting sensitive data without individuals’ consent. The Personal Information Protection Commission stated that OpenAI should minimize the collection of sensitive data for machine learning purposes. The commission further expressed its intention to take additional action if necessary.
As regulators worldwide work to establish regulations for generative artificial intelligence (AI), which has the potential to create text and images, Japan, despite lagging behind in some recent technology trends, recognizes the importance of keeping up with AI and robotics advancements to maintain productivity amid a declining population.
While privacy concerns are crucial, the watchdog acknowledged the need to strike a balance and consider the potential benefits of generative AI, such as driving innovation and addressing challenges like climate change.
Japan ranks as the third-largest source of traffic to OpenAI’s website. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in April to explore expansion opportunities in Japan, and Kishida led a discussion on AI regulation at the Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit.
As the European Union takes the lead in tech regulation, including AI, Altman clarified that OpenAI has no plans to withdraw from Europe, contrary to previous suggestions that compliance with EU regulations might pose difficulties.
