TOKYO - Japan's parliament on Friday enacted a revised personal data protection law to enable companies to use sensitive information without consent as the country pushes for domestic artificial intelligence.
The amendment approved by the House of Councillors highlights the challenge of making more information accessible to developers in need of massive data for AI development.
Information collected via social media and other platforms for purposes such as AI and statistical analysis can include race, personal beliefs, and medical and criminal histories but should not identify individuals.
The revised law will introduce fines for data misuse. Companies that improperly obtain or use personal data on more than 1,000 people will be fined an amount equivalent to the profits gained from the information.
The Japanese government is promoting the development of domestic AI as part of its drive to ensure national security and data protection. Calls have grown from business circles for a relaxation of the data protection rules.
During deliberations in parliament, some lawmakers pointed to the risk of sensitive personal data being used without the knowledge of individuals.
The Diet also passed separate bills for the government to provide its data to private-sector companies and research institutes for use in developing advanced technologies such as AI and self-driving.
Japan is seen as lagging behind other nations in utilizing government-held data, and the latest legal change is aimed at creating business opportunities for companies while ensuring the protection of privacy.
Envisaged use cases include developing autonomous driving technology by using private-sector GPS data and geographical information provided by the government.
