East Asia · CoE Framework Convention signatory
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On 28 October 2025, the Governments of the United States and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in Tokyo under the Technology Prosperity Deal. The MOC establishes collaboration in science and technology across several areas, including artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks, the enforcement of protection measures, export promotion, industry standards, and digital well-being. It encompasses high-performance computing, semiconductor and quantum technologies, as well as research, security, and supply chain capacity. The agreement also addresses telecommunications infrastructure, covering Open Radio Access Networks, AI-RAN, all-photonics networks, Beyond 5G and 6G, standards bodies, and submarine cable cooperation. Additional areas include pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain monitoring, quantum performance evaluation, algorithm development, workforce development, fusion supply chains, fuel cycle systems, and research at the JT-60SA test facility.
On 10 October 2025, Japan's Minister of State for Intellectual Property Strategy released a statement on OpenAI's Sora2 compliance with copyright protection regulations. Sora 2 is OpenAI's art video and audio generation model. The assessment followed concerns that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) was generating videos closely resembling popular anime. It was stated that OpenAI plans an opt-out system for rights holders, greater transparency of training data, and stronger content filters. It was also stated that the case highlights gaps in copyright law for commercial AI and may prompt legal reforms under the AI Promotion Act.
On 8 October 2025, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) will promulgate and implement revisions to the guidelines on the Act on the Protection of Personal Information concerning the Provision of Personal Data to a Foreign Third Party. The amendments incorporate explicit references to both the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) System and the newly established Global CBPR System as recognised frameworks ensuring adequate safeguards for cross-border data transfers. The revised guideline updates definitions and examples of international certification mechanisms, clarifying that entities certified under the Global CBPR System satisfy the requirement of “equivalent protection” under the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI). It also confirms Japan’s participation in both the APEC and Global CBPR Systems.
On 30 September 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) of the United Kingdom and the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to promote cooperation, coordination, and communication of information in competition law enforcement. The MoC covers notifications of matters affecting the other’s important interests (including mergers), options to coordinate timings and remedies, requests for information (with written particulars), permitted use of shared information, confidentiality safeguards, treatment of personal data, and explicit exclusions for immunity/leniency materials absent the provider’s written consent. It recognises each authority’s legal limits and resource constraints, allows involvement of UK concurrent regulators under specified safeguards, and provides for dialogue on legal or practice changes.
On 25 September 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) closes the consultation on the draft survey plan for monitoring the implementation of consumer protection rules under the Telecommunications Business Act (Act No. 86 of 1984). The draft plan was developed pursuant to the Basic Policy for Supervision of Telecommunications Business User Protection Discipline and set out the scope of services and operators subject to investigation, including mobile network operator (MNO) services, mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) services, separate internet service provider (ISP) services, and cable television internet services. It specified methodologies such as hearings from operators, sales agents, and business associations, alongside on-site inspections and undercover surveys at physical, remote, and online sales points. The plan defined basic and priority survey items, including compliance with disclosure obligations, contract document delivery, initial cancellation rights, prohibition rules, complaint-handling, and specific issues such as tariff transparency, fair explanations for elderly and youth users, telephone solicitation rules, and online contract practices, including dark pattern prevention. The consultation was scheduled to inform the finalisation of the plan in autumn 2025 and potential updates to the supervisory basic policy.
On 12 September 2025, the Artificial Intelligence Strategy Headquarters, established under the Artificial Intelligence Act that took full effect on 1 September 2025, held its first meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting focused on the operation of the Headquarters and the development of an Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan structured around four policy areas. The first area, “Using AI,” addressed the application of AI in sectors such as elderly care, including nursing robots and monitoring systems, and discussed regulatory and systemic measures to support adoption. The second area, “Creating AI,” covered efforts to enhance domestic research and development, advance AI models and physical systems, and secure infrastructure such as data centres, power supply, and communication networks. The third area, “Enhancing the Reliability of AI,” considered measures to prevent rights infringements through guidelines under the AI Act, research and development, and engagement in international governance. The fourth area, “Collaborating with AI,” examined structural changes in employment and industry, the development of systems and social mechanisms for AI integration, and the inclusion of these elements in the Basic Plan as part of a coordinated national approach.
On 30 August 2025, Pinterest Europe Ltd., CyberAgent, Inc., Shonan Seibu Home Co., Ltd., and Dwango Co., Ltd. are required to submit a notification to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) in accordance with Article 21(1) of the Information Distribution Platform Regulation Act. The notification must include the provider’s name and address, and, in the case of foreign entities, the name and address of their representative or agent in Japan. The notification is required within three months from 30 May 2025, the date they were designated as large-scale specified telecommunications service providers.
On 29 August 2025, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) announced in its Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request and Priority Measures that it will conduct surveys on artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in relation to personal information protection. The PPC indicated that it will monitor domestic and international developments, carry out fact-finding surveys on the use of these technologies, and assess potential risks to personal rights and interests. The findings are expected to inform responses to emerging challenges, support future reviews of the personal information protection framework, and contribute to supervisory and policy measures consistent with international practices.
On 27 August 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) opened a consultation on the draft survey plan for monitoring the implementation of consumer protection rules under the Telecommunications Business Act (Act No. 86 of 1984) until 25 September 2025. The draft plan was developed pursuant to the Basic Policy for Supervision of Telecommunications Business User Protection Discipline and set out the scope of services and operators subject to investigation, including mobile network operator (MNO) services, mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) services, separate internet service provider (ISP) services, and cable television internet services. It specified methodologies such as hearings from operators, sales agents, and business associations, alongside on-site inspections and undercover surveys at physical, remote, and online sales points. The plan defined basic and priority survey items, including compliance with disclosure obligations, contract document delivery, initial cancellation rights, prohibition rules, complaint-handling, and specific issues such as tariff transparency, fair explanations for elderly and youth users, telephone solicitation rules, and online contract practices, including dark pattern prevention. The consultation was scheduled to inform the finalisation of the plan in autumn 2025 and potential updates to the supervisory basic policy.
On 25 August 2025, the Personal Information Protection Commission announced an inquiry to assess how small and medium-sized businesses are managing the security of personal information and data. The inquiry targets 17’000 randomly selected companies across various industries. The findings will identify current practices and guide future policy measures.
On 30 July 2025, Google LLC, LINE Yahoo Corporation, Meta Platforms, TikTok, and X Corp. are required to submit a notification to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), in accordance with Article 21(1) of the Information Distribution Platform Regulation Act. The notification must include the provider’s name and address, and, in the case of foreign entities, the name and address of their representative or agent in Japan. The notification is required within three months from 30 April 2025, the date on which they were designated as large-scale specified telecommunications service providers.
On 29 July 2025, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (FTC) adopted the Rules Partially Amending FTC Rules on Hearing Opinions. The document amends Article 1 and Article 13 of the original FTC Rules. Article 1 is expanded to include the Act on Promoting Competition Regarding Specific Software Used in Smartphones in the scope of opinion hearings falling under the FTC's jurisdiction. Opinion hearings occur in antitrust cases, between the FTC's conclusion that a violation has occurred, but before it issues a cease-and-desist fine. Opinion hearings offer the accused party an opportunity to contest the FTC's findings. Article 13 defines admissible evidence for hearings.
On 29 July 2025, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry adopted guidelines on the Act on Promoting Competition Regarding Specific Software Used in Smartphones. The guidelines set out compliance requirements for designated business operators, targeting providers of mobile operating systems, app stores, web browsers, and search engines with significant market dominance. This dominance is assessed based on market share and the degree of dependency by users and developers. Dominant providers are prohibited from using non-public data from third-party apps or websites to compete against them. Unilateral conduct affecting app providers is banned, including discriminatory app review processes, unjustified delays or rejections of apps from alternative stores, preferential treatment of own apps in rankings or promotions, and restrictions on developers’ pricing, refund policies, or customer communications. The guidelines also prohibit app store and payment system restrictions, as well as manipulation of search engine rankings without objective criteria. Businesses must disclose data usage to users, ensure transparency in app review criteria, and establish complaint-handling systems. Operators must implement data interoperability for users and allow them to choose their operating system and browser settings. They are also required to disclose software specification changes and either allow users to reject them or explain why rejection is not possible. Finally, designated businesses must submit annual compliance reports to the FTC.
On 29 July 2025, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (FTC) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry adopted the amendments to the Enforcement Regulations of the Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software (Act No. 58 of 2024). The order applies to "designated business operators", defined as large companies that control smartphone platforms and meet specific criteria. Several revisions enter into force, organised into five chapters. Designated businesses must establish complaint-handling procedures for developers, internal oversight, and a liaison officer in Japan. They must also submit annual reports to the FTC on access denials, compliance measures, and term changes. Penalties are calculated based on revenue during the violation period. Businesses can propose "Elimination Measures Plans" to address FTC suspicions. Approval requires proof of reliability and sufficiency. Additionally, parties may appeal FTC decisions within one week.
On 29 July 2025, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (FTC) adopted the Policy on Commitment Procedures under the Act on Promoting Competition Regarding Specific Software Used in Smartphones. The Policy outlines Commitment Procedures under the Act, which are designed to enable faster resolution of competition issues than traditional legal measures and apply to suspected violations of Articles 5 through 9 of the Act. Commitment Procedures begin when the FTC has reasonable grounds to suspect a violation of the Act and determines that applying such procedures is appropriate. The FTC then notifies the suspected violator ("Subject Business") in writing of the nature of the suspected violation, the relevant provisions of the Act believed to have been breached, and requests the submission of an application for either a Remedial Measures Plan or a Compliance Assurance Plan. A Remedial Measures Plan outlines the Subject Business's proposal to eliminate the suspected violation, while a Compliance Assurance Plan details how the business intends to confirm that the violation has been eliminated. The Subject Business must submit an application for approval of its plan (hereinafter referred to as the "Approval Application") within 60 days of receiving the Commitment Notice. To expedite the process, even before a Commitment Notice is issued, a Subject Business under investigation may consult with the Commission regarding whether the conduct in question qualifies for Commitment Procedures or to express its intention to request them.
On 4 June 2025, the Act on the Promotion of Research and Development and Application of Artificial Intelligence-Related Technologies entered into force, with the exception of the provisions of Chapter 3, Chapter 4, and Supplementary Provisions Article 3, and Article 4. The excepted provisions will enter into force on a date to be determined by government ordinance within three months from the date of promulgation. The Act establishes a national framework for AI development, defining AI-related technologies as those replicating human cognitive abilities through artificial methods and information processing systems. It sets principles focused on technological self-sufficiency, international competitiveness, and the integration of research and practical applications. Transparency measures aim to prevent misuse and protect citizens' rights, alongside provisions for international cooperation. The Act assigns responsibilities to various stakeholders. The national government must develop AI policies, local governments must implement region-specific measures, research institutions must focus on research and talent development, businesses must apply AI and collaborate with government initiatives, and citizens are expected to increase their understanding of AI. It introduces two mechanisms to guide implementation, an Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan and an Artificial Intelligence Strategy Headquarters within the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister and including all cabinet ministers. The Headquarters will oversee the Basic Plan and coordinate AI policy across the government. The Act provides for research promotion, responsible AI use, talent development, education, monitoring of AI trends, and issue analysis.
On 28 May 2025, the House of Councillors adopted the Bill on the Promotion of Research and Development and Application of Artificial Intelligence-Related Technologies. The Bill establishes a national framework for AI development, defining AI-related technologies as those replicating human cognitive abilities through artificial methods and information processing systems. It sets principles focused on technological self-sufficiency, international competitiveness, and the integration of research and practical applications. Transparency measures aim to prevent misuse and protect citizens' rights, alongside provisions for international cooperation. The Bill assigns responsibilities to various stakeholders. The national government must develop AI policies, local governments must implement region-specific measures, research institutions must focus on research and talent development, businesses must apply AI and collaborate with government initiatives, and citizens are expected to increase their understanding of AI. It introduces two mechanisms to guide implementation, an Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan and an Artificial Intelligence Strategy Headquarters within the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister and including all cabinet ministers. The Headquarters will oversee the Basic Plan and coordinate AI policy across the government. The Bill provides for research promotion, responsible AI use, talent development, education, monitoring of AI trends, and issue analysis. It allows the government to adopt legislative, financial, and other measures as needed, ensuring cooperation across sectors.
On 24 April 2025, Japan's House of Representatives passed the Bill on the Promotion of Research and Development and Application of Artificial Intelligence-Related Technologies to the House of Councillors. The Bill establishes a national framework for AI development, defining AI-related technologies as those replicating human cognitive abilities through artificial methods and information processing systems. It sets principles focused on technological self-sufficiency, international competitiveness, and the integration of research and practical applications. Transparency measures aim to prevent misuse and protect citizens' rights, alongside provisions for international cooperation. The Bill assigns responsibilities to various stakeholders. The national government must develop AI policies, local governments must implement region-specific measures, research institutions must focus on research and talent development, businesses must apply AI and collaborate with government initiatives, and citizens are expected to increase their understanding of AI. It introduces two mechanisms to guide implementation, an Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan and an Artificial Intelligence Strategy Headquarters within the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister and including all cabinet ministers. The Headquarters will oversee the Basic Plan and coordinate AI policy across the government. The Bill provides for research promotion, responsible AI use, talent development, education, monitoring of AI trends, and issue analysis. It allows the government to adopt legislative, financial, and other measures as needed, ensuring cooperation across sectors.
On 28 February 2025, Japan's Cabinet submitted the Bill on the Promotion of Research and Development and Application of Artificial Intelligence-Related Technologies to the House of Representatives. The Bill establishes a national framework for AI development, defining AI-related technologies as those replicating human cognitive abilities through artificial methods and information processing systems. It sets principles focused on technological self-sufficiency, international competitiveness, and the integration of research and practical applications. Transparency measures aim to prevent misuse and protect citizens' rights, alongside provisions for international cooperation. The Bill assigns responsibilities to various stakeholders. The national government must develop AI policies, local governments must implement region-specific measures, research institutions must focus on research and talent development, businesses must apply AI and collaborate with government initiatives, and citizens are expected to increase their understanding of AI. It introduces two mechanisms to guide implementation, an Artificial Intelligence Basic Plan and an Artificial Intelligence Strategy Headquarters within the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister and including all cabinet ministers. The Headquarters will oversee the Basic Plan and coordinate AI policy across the government. The Bill provides for research promotion, responsible AI use, talent development, education, monitoring of AI trends, and issue analysis. It allows the government to adopt legislative, financial, and other measures as needed, ensuring cooperation across sectors.
Last updated: 28/10/2025