February 15, 2022 Release of Guidebook on AI-based Cloud Services

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) conducted a survey and research on AI-based cloud services in fiscal 2020. Then a publication entitled “Guidebook on AI-based Cloud Services” has been prepared based on the deliberations of a study group and a working group consisting of academic experts, lawyers, business operators, and other knowledgeable people. This publication will provide cloud service providers with a list of items to be considered when developing and providing AI cloud services. Accordingly, MIC will open the same to the public.

1. Overview

Currently, the level of technology is improving in terms of artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, AI has already been incorporated into various products and services, and its implementation in society in various aspects of business and daily life is now in full swing. Against this backdrop, cloud services are becoming increasingly popular, and cloud service providers are actively working to increase the added value of their services through the use of AI. Further progress in AI-based cloud services is expected in the future.
Based on this background, MIC conducted the survey and research on AI-based cloud services in fiscal 2020. With consideration of the deliberations of the study group and the working group consisting of academic experts, lawyers, business operators, and other knowledgeable people, MIC has compiled this guidebook, which specifies items to be considered when developing and providing AI cloud services.
This guidebook proposes voluntary measures recommended to AI cloud service providers to expand the market while gaining users’ trust. MIC adds that this does not restrict the freedom of negotiation or contract between trading parties.

2. Published material

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  The published material is in Japanese only.