"Japan may ease privacy rules to aid AI development," 23 February 2025

[Unofficial description by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

Japan's Personal Information Protection Commission is considering nixing a prior consent requirement when obtaining sensitive personal information such as race and religion for the development of artificial intelligence.

It is aimed to to make it easier for AI-related businesses to utilise personal information.

Under the current law, information such as race, social status, medical history and any criminal record, designated as sensitive personal information, are requires prior consent from the individuals concerned.

Consideration to impose fines on businesses violating the personal information protection law is facing strong opposition as penalty will hamper free economic activities.