Japan aims for “AI-Ready Society” through seven social principles of human-centric AI

Economic, social, and environmental sustainability are the three key areas of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations Member States. The promotion of the SDGs has been driven by both public and private sectors and set as one of the national priorities in Japan. New technologies such as digital technology, machine learning, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) are believed to facilitate the realisation of the Goals and “Society 5.0”, a sustainable human-centric society that utilises cutting-edge technologies to create social values and promote better well-being.

To build the world first “AI-Ready Society” as part of “Society 5.0”, Japan emphasises the importance of close cooperation and interaction among all relevant stakeholders to embrace seven social principles of human-centric AI as follows:

(1) Human-Centric: The employment of AI must not infringe upon fundamental human rights.

(2) Education/Literacy: Basic education must be ensured to promote equal access to literacy education and skills required to utilise AI.

(3) Privacy Protection: No individuals must be disadvantaged from the use of personal data through the utilisation of AI.

(4) Ensuring Security: Society must strive for a good balance between the benefits and risks of AI as well as the enhancement of social safety and sustainability as a whole.

(5) Fair Competition: A fair competitive environment must be guaranteed in order to enhance the continuous development of AI technologies that in turn promote a sustainable society.

(6) Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency: Fairness and transparency in decision-making, appropriate accountability for the results, and trust in the technology are necessary to secure all social principles, particularly human rights and privacy concerns.

(7) Innovation: The advancement of AI technologies should be promoted through close collaboration and cooperation among all relevant stakeholders domestically and internationally.

These principles follow basic philosophy, namely dignity, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. They are organic and should be adjusted and tailored over time to accommodate particular social needs and emerging social issues. Moreover, Japan believes that the principles are meant to be shared at the international table in order to promote the establishment of an AI-Ready Society worldwide as well as the realisation of the SDGs.