overview/documents/jp_ai_act_2025_overview_en_pdf
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the AI Act (Overview) (Provisional Translation)

The document primarily frames AI governance around economic competitiveness and innovation promotion, emphasizing that Japan is lagging behind in AI development and needs to enhance international competitiveness while aiming to be the friendliest country for AI development. National security and human rights are mentioned but are secondary to the economic and innovation rationale.

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    Necessity of a new law Japan is lagging behind in AI development and use. Many citizens are concerned about AI. Along with existing laws and business acts, a new law is needed to promote innovation while mitigating risks. Outline of the act Purpose Improving people‘s lives, and developing the national economy Basic Principles ・ Importance for economic society and national security Keeping R&D capabilities, and enhancing international competitiveness ・ Comprehensive and systematic promotion from basic research to utilization ・ Ensuring transparency, etc. for appropriate R&D and utilization ・ A leadership role in the international cooperation AI Strategic Headquarters Chairman：the Prime Minister, Members：all cabinet ministers ー Requesting the necessary cooperation from the relevant administrative agencies AI Basic Plan Basic policy on measures that the government should take for the promotion of R&D and Utilization Basic Measures ・ Promotion of R&D, and expansion and share of facilities (data center, etc.) and data ・ Ensuring human resources, and promoting education ・ Participating in formulating international norms ・ Establishing guidelines in accordance with the international norms ・ Collecting information, investigating cases where human rights and interests are infringed ・ Guidance, advice and announcement to business operators and citizens R esponsibilities ・ Responsibilities of the government, local governments, R&D institutes, business operators and citizens, and strengthening coordination among stakeholders ・ Business operators shall cooperate with measures implemented by the government, etc. Supplementary Provisions Reviewing provisions (necessary measures as required) Establishing a legal system aiming to be a global model ・ In accordance with international norms, promoting innovation while mitigating risks ・ Aiming to be the friendliest country to develop and utilize AI Outline of the Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of AI-related Technology (AI Act) ※Establishment: 28th May, 2025. Partial enforcement: 4th June, 2025. Full enforcement: 1st September 2025.