#Japan #Tokyo #Trustworthy AI #Personal AI #Japan Personal AI Forum

Establishment of the Japan Personal AI Forum

In recent years, generative AI has evolved from simple text-generation tools to personal AIs that understand individual contexts and actions in line with social systems. This transformation aligns with Japan's "Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan," which emphasizes the importance of governance and collaboration across industry, academia, and government to realize reliable AI systems.

Responding to this landscape, the Japan Personal AI Forum was officially launched today through a press release, aimed at constructing the societal infrastructure and regulatory frameworks necessary for the personal AI era. Based in Minato, Tokyo, this non-profit organization is spearheaded by directors Kuniyoshi Mabuchi and Yukino Baba.

This forum brings together around 30 experts and practitioners from various sectors, including notable institutions such as the University of Tokyo, Keio University, Carnegie Mellon University, Nvidia, Mizuho Financial Group, and Dentsu Group. These collaborators will work on establishing guidelines, conducting Proof of Concept (PoC) studies, and proposing policies geared toward creating a social foundation for trustworthy personal AI originating from Japan.

The mission of the Japan Personal AI Forum is vital as the relationship between humans and AI changes rapidly due to advancements in technology. A future is anticipated where AI will not only assist with tasks such as text generation or operational efficiency but will also understand individual schedules, preferences, learning histories, jobs, health, and administrative processes, acting accordingly to support personal decisions.

However, for personal AI to be successfully integrated into society, it is critical to establish a comprehensive set of rules that crosscut governance, ethics, and technology. These rules must address issues of user verification, data sovereignty, long-term memory management, the range of proxy actions, safety, and the delineation of responsibility.

The Japan Personal AI Forum was founded to address these challenges through the collaboration of industry, academia, and government, promoting Japan's initiative to create a regulatory framework and societal implementation for personal AI.

Profiles of Key Figures

Kuniyoshi Mabuchi

Kuniyoshi Mabuchi serves as the co-CEO of XinobiAI and is a co-representative at the Metaverse Japan organization. With a background in digital agencies and leadership positions at notable companies, he has been at the forefront of AI and digital transformation in Japan.

In his words: "I am thrilled to have established the Japan Personal AI Forum with diverse researchers, enterprises, and public sector representatives. AI will evolve into personal AIs that connect deeply with human memories and intentions, making it imperative to build a trustworthy societal framework from Japan."

Yukino Baba

Yukino Baba, a准教授 at the University of Tokyo, is a prominent AI researcher focused on the synergy between humans and AI. Her work emphasizes the necessary societal frameworks to promote safe and trusted relationships between users and AI.

Baba states: "To integrate personal AI widely into society, we must consider not only technological advancements but also the mechanisms and rules that allow for safe utilization."

Masaya Mori

As the Chief AI Officer at Dentsu Group, Masaya Mori engages in AI application in industries, emphasizing the need for cooperative governance and rule-making to ensure AI that society can trust.

Mori remarks: "Amid rapidly expanding application areas of AI, the collaboration among diverse stakeholders is vital to achieve trustworthy social implementation of personal AI."

Takeo Kanade

Takeo Kanade, a renowned professor at Carnegie Mellon University, is honored as the forum's honorary advisor. His revolutionary research in robotics and AI has significantly influenced the field.

Kanade echoes: "Personal AI will become akin to another self, understanding and aiding individuals by leveraging their past experiences. Thus, addressing the challenges that come with new technology integration is paramount to harness its potential."

Future Plans of the Forum

The forum plans to undertake various activities including the creation of guidelines for personal AI, publishing position papers, collaborating on projects across fields such as education, finance, and administration, and facilitating discussions that engage different sectors in a concerted effort to establish a reliable personal AI society in Japan.

As a multidisciplinary practical forum connecting technology, industry, systems, and ethics, the Japan Personal AI Forum emerges with the pivotal mission of charting a reliable path towards the advancing personal AI era. The aim is clear: to create trustworthy rules and frameworks that will pave the way for a future where AI seamlessly integrates into daily life, enhancing individual autonomy and societal collaboration.