"Japan OKs legal change to allow use of sensitive private info for AI, stats," 10 July 2026

[Unofficial description by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

Japan has enacted a revised personal information protection law aimed at easing restrictions on the use of personal data while strengthening measures to prevent misuse.

To promote the development of domestic AI, the revised law creates an exception allowing personal information to be collected via social media and other platforms without consent for purposes such as AI development and statistical analysis. The revised law also introduces fines for companies that improperly obtain or misuse personal data.

The exception also covers sensitive personal information, including race, personal beliefs, and medical and criminal histories, prompting concerns from some opposition parties over the potential risk of such data being used without individuals' knowledge.