Japan Sets Out Framework for AI Development Following Rise of DeepSeek

Japan is set to create a foundational plan to support the development and implementation of artificial intelligence. This initiative comes from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as the country reacts to the emergence of Chinese startup DeepSeek’s chatbot.

During a recent parliamentary session, Ishiba emphasized that AI has the potential to address significant challenges, such as Japan's low productivity levels. However, he also raised concerns about the risks associated with increased AI use, particularly the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

"We must formulate a basic plan to promote the research, development, and utilization of AI in a manner that prioritizes safety and security," Ishiba stated while addressing the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives.

This statement follows the unveiling of DeepSeek’s AI model, which managed to astonish users and developers while also causing fluctuations in financial markets. The new chatbot reportedly operates at a much lower development cost than competing U.S. technologies while achieving similar performance levels to OpenAI's ChatGPT.

In his comments, Ishiba addressed the rapid dissemination of certain information, especially if it is used to train AI systems without sufficient oversight. He acknowledged a specific instance where DeepSeek’s chatbot inaccurately referred to the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea as belonging to China, igniting controversy and concern given the islands' contentious status between Japan and China.

While Japan maintains administrative control and asserts its historical claims to the islands, China also lays claim to them, making the topic particularly sensitive in diplomatic discussions.

The surge in popularity of DeepSeek’s chatbot has prompted various governments and companies to consider restrictions on its accessibility, raised by concerns regarding user data collection and security.

As of now, the Japanese government has not announced any immediate steps in this direction but is preparing legislation that will be presented to parliament during its current session, ending on June 22.

"Our main objective is to draft legislation that allows for the extensive benefits of AI while minimizing potential hazards and risks associated with its usage," Ishiba concluded.

AI, Security, Japan