Japan Will Allow Limited Use Of Artificial Intelligence Like ChatGPT In Schools

JAKARTA - Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Sciences and Technology plans to allow limited use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in schools ranging from elementary to high school levels.

According to local media, sources close to the issue say that generative AI tools, such as the popular ChatGPT chatbot, will be allowed to help facilitate classroom discussions and artistic activities, among others.

Officials say that overall AI use will not be permitted, and they intend to release guidelines schools must follow in July.

The draft guidelines state that it is important to "develop the ability to use a generative AI with thoughts" and recommend the introduction of this technology with boundaries.

Guidelines also require teachers to teach students that the use of AI for exams or school assignments will be considered a fraud. This guide encourages teachers and students to be careful of the data entered into the AI system.

The announcement from the Japanese Ministry of Education comes as regulators in the country struggle to regulate and implement this technology nationally.

Initially, Japanese officials showed open support for OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbots when countries like Italy banned the technology and other uncertainties about its use began to emerge.

However, not long after that, Japan's lawmaker Takashi Kii said he was pushing for regulations protecting copyright holders from AI infringement.

A day later, OpenAI received warnings from lawmakers in Japan about data collection methods and asked the company to be careful in minimizing sensitive data collected.

In April, a small group of eligible voters in Japan was surveyed on AI-related concerns, of which 69.4% of them stated that they wanted stricter regulations for AI development and implementation.