Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: A university in the Republic of Korea (ROK) has established a facility to conduct military research related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). In response, AI and robotics researchers as well as others from 30 countries and regions around the world have criticized that robot weapons using AI could be misused for terrorism and that there would be no going back once that happens, declaring that they would boycott the university until it provides assurances that it will not develop such weapons. It is said that the United States and Russia are cautious about regulations. The United Nations has initiated deliberations over this issue. Could you tell us what position the Government of Japan will be taking, or your thoughts on the importance of having forums in Japan to discuss these matters?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, with regard to technological innovations such as AI and robots, it is extremely important that Japan promotes necessary measures so that it does not miss the wave of the Fourth Industrial Revolution currently under way. Given this situation, counterterrorism is a matter of urgency that the international community must work on in solidarity. In particular, Japan will be hosting the Rugby World Cup next year and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games the following year. It is of the utmost importance that every effort is made to counter terrorism, while working together with the international community. As part of this effort I believe we need to also closely take into consideration counter measures against terrorism involving the misuse of robot weapons.
 
(Abridged)