Just like other nations around the world, the Japanese government has launched a new AI Safety Institute within the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA) in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies. The Institute aims to examine evaluation methods and standards related to AI safety in response to growing international interest in this issue. The new AI Safety Institute, led by Director Akiko Murakami, will conduct research on criteria and standards for AI safety evaluation, develop methods for evaluating AI safety, and collaborate internationally with similar institutes in the US, UK and elsewhere.

The Institute was established as a cross-government effort involving the Cabinet Office, Cabinet Secretariat, National Police Agency, Digital Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Defense, as well as agencies including the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, National Institute of Informatics, and the Information-technology Promotion Agency. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will support the Institute’s activities by contributing expertise and domestic and international networks developed through IPA and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology.

The launch of the AI Safety Institute reflects growing prioritization of AI safety issues in Japan. As artificial intelligence systems are deployed more widely, there are increasing concerns about potential risks if AI systems behave in unintended or uncontrolled ways. High-profile examples like self-driving car accidents have highlighted the need for greater safety precautions.

If you’re wondering how Japan’s AI Safety Institute, and other AI Institutes, regulations and laws around the world, could impact you and your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can answer your concerns and questions while offering valuable insight.