Photo/Illutration The OpenAI logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen displaying output from ChatGPT on March 21 in Boston. (AP Photo)

Group of Seven ministers will adopt an artificial intelligence action plan for the first time when they meet in Japan this month to promote responsible use of the fast-expanding AI sector.

Ministers in charge of digital and technology matters are scheduled to meet April 29-30 in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture.

A draft of the declaration obtained by The Asahi Shimbun refers to efforts to establish common international standards to bring about a “responsible AI.”

In addition to working toward responsible development of AI technology, the draft also cites the risk of it being abused to infringe on human rights through more intense monitoring of people’s activities. The draft states that the G-7 is opposed to using AI to threaten democratic values and human rights.

The move reflects concerns voiced in the international community over plans by China to intensify its monitoring of its citizens as well as the spread of fake information.

As host of this year’s G-7 summit, Japan will be expected to play a leading role in compiling the joint statement. Some ministers have expressed an interest in aggressively taking advantage of AI ChatGPT technology. However, several European nations have already begun moves to limit its use due to privacy issues.

The draft touches upon the rapid spread of ChatGPT and other generative AI technology producing both benefits and risks that extend beyond national boundaries and industrial sectors.

While the draft recognizes that G-7 nations are taking different policy approaches to AI, it also calls for the creation of joint standards for AI technology and governance by working together with an international agency for the purpose.

Sources said the G-7 ministers will work on an “Action Plan” related to AI governance that would be included in a supplementary document to the joint declaration.

They said the G-7 nations will also work to create interoperable systems to allow companies to deal with legal differences in member nations.

The draft also cites the importance of consistent standards and measures to evaluate AI technology and risks as a means of creating the environment to advance AI technology.

The draft welcomes greater cooperation with international organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which compiled its AI Principles designed to increase transparency.

The G-7 ministers will also seek to reach agreement in other areas, such as establishing an international framework to promote Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT) as well as strengthening network infrastructure such as undersea communication cables.

Other items expected to be included in the joint declaration are greater cooperation among G-7 nations to deal with possible monopolization of the digital market by information technology giants as well as holding a meeting this autumn of top officials in each member nation in charge of monitoring fair business competition

Further discussions are also expected at the G-7 summit meeting to be held in Hiroshima in May.

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