Japan shows its support for OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot amid bans and uncertainties around the world.
Japan has shown its support for OpenAI amid a sea of bans from different countries and uncertainties for the artificial intelligence (AI) company.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated on Monday, April 10, that Japan would consider incorporating AI technology into government systems, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot, as long as privacy and cybersecurity issues are addressed.
Following an alleged data breach on March 20, Italy’s data protection watchdog temporarily blocked the chatbot on March 31 and ordered OpenAI to immediately restrict the processing of Italian user data while an investigation was conducted.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman received remarks from government spokesman Matsuno during his visit to Japan before meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Matsuno stated that the Japanese government would consider adopting OpenAI’s technology if privacy and cybersecurity issues were resolved.
Following the meeting with Kishida, Altman stated that OpenAI is looking into opening an office in Japan and expanding services in Japanese.
“We look forward to spending a lot more time and engaging with the amazing talent and building something great for the Japanese people,” Altman told reporters in Tokyo on Monday.
During a press conference in Tokyo on Monday, Altman expressed his enthusiasm to engage with Japan’s remarkable talent and create something exceptional for the Japanese people. He also expressed his amazement: “It’s really amazing to see the adoption of this technology in Japan.”
According to Altman, he and Kishida discussed the potential of the technology and how to eliminate any negative aspects. They also deliberated on how to be risk-aware and maximize the benefits of AI for people.
Altman stated that OpenAI would strive to improve its models’ command of the Japanese language and its cultural nuances. “We’ll be back soon,” he added.
Canada’s privacy commissioner is investigating OpenAI for the alleged collection and use of personal information without consent. On April 4, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada announced that the investigation was launched following a tip from an anonymous individual.
Philippe Dufresne, Chief Privacy Commissioner, stressed that his department is closely monitoring AI technology to protect the privacy rights of Canadians.
