Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has called for legislation to address the risks of artificial intelligence while promoting its safe and effective use. Speaking to lawmakers on Friday, Ishiba stressed that AI could help solve key challenges in Japan, including low productivity.
“We need to create a basic plan on how we can promote research and development as well as the use of AI in a safe and secure way,” he said, according to Kyodo News. However, he also emphasized the need to “minimize the dangers and risks associated with its use.”
Political Hurdles for AI Legislation
Passing AI-related legislation may not be easy. Ishiba’s ruling coalition, made up of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, does not have enough votes in the lower house to push through a bill without opposition support. Gaining bipartisan backing will be crucial for any AI regulations to move forward.
DeepSeek’s Disruptive Impact
Ishiba’s comments come as Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has taken the tech industry by surprise. The company’s new chatbot has become the most downloaded free app in the U.S., raising concerns among American officials. DeepSeek’s rise has also triggered a global sell-off in tech stocks, as investors reconsider the financial sustainability of leading AI firms.
Backed by the Chinese hedge fund High-Flyer, DeepSeek launched its R1 large language model on January 20. Its low-cost, open-source approach has intensified competition in the AI market.
Global Reactions and Security Concerns
In the U.S., President Donald Trump called DeepSeek’s success “a wake-up call” for American tech companies. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have raised concerns that the Chinese AI app could pose national security risks.
Adding to the tensions, Chinese state-run media reported an increase in cyberattacks on DeepSeek, allegedly coming from U.S. IP addresses.
The Road Ahead
As AI development accelerates, governments around the world are grappling with how to regulate it. Japan’s push for AI legislation reflects growing concerns over both the opportunities and risks posed by the technology. With DeepSeek shaking up the global AI landscape, the conversation around AI policy is becoming more urgent than ever.
