AI Strategic Headquarters launched with Minoru Kiuchi in charge: "The next year is most critical"

The Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of AI-related Technology, commonly referred to as the AI Act, came into full effect on September 1. The AI Strategic Headquarters was established with the Prime Minister as director-general. Minoru Kiuchi, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, was appointed as the first minister in charge.

Kiuchi expressed his determination, stating: "We will convene the first AI Strategic Headquarters meeting as early as possible and proceed with formulating the AI Basic Plan and guidelines by this winter. AI is an extremely important field that directly impacts economic development, convenience in citizens' daily lives, and corporate international competitiveness. Particularly in recent years, global competition in AI development and application has intensified dramatically. Therefore, efforts over the next year are extremely critical. For this reason, it is important to not only formulate a basic plan and guidelines but also to secure adequate related budgets. In so doing, we will particularly enhance the vigorous promotion of AI utilization, creation of Japan's strengths, AI infrastructure development, and development of trustworthy AI. At the same time, addressing risks is also important. For instance, as discussed in Diet deliberations, we have already begun preliminary investigations on major issues such as AI utilization in personnel recruitment and sexual deepfakes without waiting for the establishment of the AI Strategic Headquarters. Going forward, we will work closely with related ministries and agencies to address such AI risks under the new framework based on the AI Act."