OpenAI finds fresh support from Japan amid global country-wide bans

Japan has shown support for OpenAI amid a sea of bans by different countries and uncertainties for the company.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated on Monday that Japan will contemplate incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot, into government systems provided that 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 directed OpenAI to immediately restrict data processing for Italian users while an investigation is ongoing.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman received remarks from top government spokesperson Matsuno during his visit to Japan, before meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Matsuno stated that the Japanese government would consider government adoption of OpenAI’s technology if privacy and cybersecurity concerns are addressed.

After the meeting with Kishida, Altman stated that OpenAI is considering the possibility of opening an office in Japan and extending Japanese language services.

“We hope to spend much more time and engage with the wonderful talent and build something great for the Japanese people,” Altman told reporters in Tokyo Monday.

During a press conference in Tokyo on Monday, Altman expressed his enthusiasm about engaging with the remarkable talent in Japan and creating something exceptional for the Japanese people. He also said his amazement, “It really is amazing to see the adoption of this technology in Japan.”

According to Altman, he and Kishida conversed about the potential of the technology and how to remove any negative aspects. They also deliberated on how to be cautious about the risks and how to maximize AI’s benefits for people.

Altman stated that OpenAI would strive to enhance their models’ proficiency in the Japanese language and its cultural nuances. “We will return soon,” he added.

Canada’s privacy commissioner is investigating OpenAI, the company behind the AI chatbot ChatGPT, for allegedly collecting and utilizing personal information without consent. On April 4, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) announced that the probe was initiated after a complaint from an anonymous individual.

Philippe Dufresne, head privacy commissioner, emphasized that his department is closely monitoring AI technology to guarantee Canadians’ privacy rights protection.

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