Reading 2 minutes Views 2 Published Updated
Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology plans to allow elementary to high school schools to use limited use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom.
According to a local news outlet, a source close to the case said generative AI tools such as the popular ChatGPT chatbot. Tools will be allowed to facilitate class discussions and artistic activities, among other uses.
Officials have said that the full use of AI tools will not be allowed and that they intend to release guidelines for schools to follow this July.
The draft says it’s important to “develop the ability to use generative AI thoughtfully,” but it encourages familiarity with the technology’s limitations.
It also requires teachers to instruct students that using AI in exams or in the classroom would be considered cheating. The guidelines urge teachers and students to be careful about data entered into AI systems.
Related: Wimbledon 2023 to feature commentary on AI-generated highlights
The Japanese Ministry of Education’s announcement comes at a time when the country’s regulators are trying to decide how to regulate and implement the technology at the national level.
Japanese officials initially showed open support for the OpenAI ChatGPT chatbot when countries like Italy banned the technology and other uncertainties surrounding its use began to emerge.
Shortly thereafter, however, Japanese legislator Takashi Kii said he was pushing for rules that would protect copyright holders from violations of AI rights. A day later, OpenAI received a warning from Japanese lawmakers about its data collection practices and asked the company to be careful to minimize the amount of sensitive data it collects.
In April, a small pool of eligible voters in Japan were polled about concerns about AI, of which 69.4% said they would like stricter rules for the development and implementation of AI.