Japan adopts IP use rules for AI firms
AgenciesThe government on Tuesday adopted rules for generative artificial intelligence operators aimed at protecting intellectual property, urging Japanese and foreign companies su...
The Japanese government has introduced guidelines for artificial intelligence firms to safeguard intellectual property rights, urging both domestic and international companies like Google LLC to reveal their data collection methods. These principles aim to foster transparency while striking a balance between innovation and rights protection.
However, they hold no legal weight or penalties. The move is prompted by growing concerns among rights holders regarding unauthorized usage of copyrighted material by generative AI, as well as operators' apprehensions about disclosing proprietary data, which could expose trade secrets. In a press conference, AI strategy minister Kimi Onoda emphasized the importance of operators providing clear explanations and engaging in dialogue with rights holders and users.
The guidelines require operators to disclose fundamental information about their training data to rights holders, AI users, and the public by publishing a summary of their online data collection procedures on their websites. Furthermore, they encourage operators to disclose to rights holders of works such as manga, music, and newspaper articles whether their copyrighted material is part of the training data, under certain conditions and upon request.
To avoid causing excessive risk aversion, the principles explicitly state that compulsory disclosure will not be sought for data related to trade secrets or security. Operators that fail to adhere to the guidelines are advised to explain their reasons. Additionally, operators are asked to disclose how they are implementing these principles on their websites, submit the information to the Cabinet Office, and update it annually. The guidelines also extend to overseas operators providing services in Japan.
The Cabinet Office intends to publish a list of operators that comply with the principles and links to their websites detailing disclosure measures. An expert panel recently approved the draft of the principles, which were developed in accordance with an AI law enacted last year.
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