Yomiuri Shimbun, NTT announce joint proposal on shaping generative AI

Tokyo, Japan – The Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings (Headquarters: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo; Representative Director and President Toshikazu Yamaguchi) and the NTT Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo; Representative Member of Board and President Akira Shimada) have been conducting a joint study on ideal governance for generative AI since fall 2023, and today announced "Joint Proposal on Shaping Generative AI" as the latest version of their proposal.

Outline of joint proposal

Basic understanding of current situation in generative AI

As generative AI offers user-friendly interfaces and experiences, it is expected to improve labor productivity. However, the accuracy of results from generative AI cannot be fully guaranteed at present, and unlimited use of generative AI could cause various problems for humanity and society. Humanity must take measures to balance control and use of generative AI from both technological and institutional perspectives.

Main points

• Point 1: Confronting the out-of-control relationship between AI and the attention economy
• Point 2: Legal restraints to ensure discussion spaces to protect liberty and dignity, and introduction of technology to cope with related issues
• Point 3: Establishment of effective governance, including legislation

Outlook for the future

• Generative AI is set to enter an innovation phase (changes accompanying social diffusion).
• Measures to ensure a healthy space for discussions must be taken immediately. Strong restrictions are especially needed for elections and the security field.
• It is necessary to consider optimizing copyright law in line with the times in a manner compatible with using generative AI, from both institutional and technological perspectives.
• The following steps must be taken: introduction of rules and joint regulations mainly by the media and various industries, establishment and dissemination of effective technologies, and efforts to revise the law.
• In this process, the most important thing is to protect the dignity and liberty of individuals in order to achieve individual autonomy. Those involved will study the situation, taking into account critical assessments based on the value of community.
• The Yomiuri Shimbun and the NTT Corporation share the understanding of the issue expressed above and will continue to study the issue and make recommendations.

The full Joint Proposal can be downloaded from the URL below and is available on The Japan News website.