At risk of becoming an 'AI colony'
Source: The Star
Published on: 2026-06-06 00:07
The nation could fall prey to a new form of colonialism in the AI era if it fails to keep pace with the technology's rapid development, the digital minister warned. "I hope many Japanese people understand that we need to press ahead with AI development, or we'll end up becoming an 'AI colony'," Digital Minister Hisashi Matsumoto said yesterday. Matsumoto raised the warning as he defended a Bill to amend Japan's personal data protection law to allow AI developers to train models with data such as medical and criminal records without the individuals' consent. "The point of this change is that, with AI development moving so fast, Japan can't afford to fall behind," he told a press briefing. Some opposition parties have expressed concerns about the government-drafted Bill, citing data breach risks. The Bill, which passed the lower house of parliament last week, is now being debated in t...
(Please login to view full article)Third-Party Content Disclaimer
Content displayed on this platform may include news articles, reports, and other materials aggregated from publicly available third-party sources through automated tools. Such content is not created, written, commissioned, or edited by Straits Interactive Pte Ltd or the Data Protection Excellence (DPEX) Network.
While we take reasonable steps to ensure responsible publication, we do not independently verify all third-party information and make no representations as to its accuracy, completeness, or reliability.
The views, findings, and statements expressed in third-party content belong solely to the original source and do not reflect the views of Straits Interactive Pte Ltd or the DPEX Network.
If you believe any content is inaccurate, infringing, or should be removed, please contact us at legal@straitsinteractive.com. We will review the matter and, where appropriate, take action in accordance with our internal policies.
Unlock these benefits
Get access to news, enforcement cases, events, and actionable tips and guides
Get regular email updates and offers
Job opportunities, mentorship and career guidance
Exclusive access to Data Protection community - ask questions, network and share knowledge with peers and experts via WhatsApp and Linkedin
DPEX Network is a Community Initiative of Straits Interactive.
Copyright © Straits Interactive Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
All intellectual property rights to logos and brands featured on this website remain the property of their respective owners.