In a significant step towards the global regulation of artificial intelligence, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced a new international framework aimed at overseeing the development and use of generative AI.
The announcement was made during his speech at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing global efforts to manage rapidly advancing AI technologies.
Prime Minister Kishida highlighted the potential of generative AI as a powerful tool for enriching the world. He emphasized, however, the necessity of addressing the darker aspects of AI, such as the threat of misinformation. “Generative AI has the potential to be a vital tool for increasing the world’s enrichment,” Kishida said. “But we must also confront the dark side of AI, such as the risk of disinformation.”
Japan, which chaired the Group of Seven (G7) major industrial nations last year, initiated the Hiroshima AI Process to establish international guidelines and a code of conduct for AI developers. Kishida revealed that approximately 49 countries and regions have signed onto this voluntary framework, known as the “Friends of the Hiroshima AI Process,” though he did not specify which countries.
The framework aims to implement principles and a code of conduct to address the risks associated with generative AI. Kishida noted the importance of enhancing cooperation to ensure that the use of AI is safe and trustworthy worldwide. “We will work on implementing principles and a code of conduct to address the risks of generative AI and enhance cooperation to ensure that everyone around the world benefits from the safe and reliable use of AI,” he added.
As nations like the European Union, the United States, and China race to establish their own AI regulations, global bodies such as the United Nations are also striving to determine how best to oversee AI technologies.
This new framework from Japan represents a crucial step in fostering international collaboration and setting standards for the responsible use of AI.
