Japan relaxes privacy laws to make itself the ‘easiest country to develop AI’
Japan has approved amendments to its Personal Information Protection Act that remove the need for opt‑in consent when using low‑risk personal data for AI research and statistical purposes. The changes also allow the use of facial scans and certain health data without offering an opt‑out option, though stricter rules apply for minors. Companies will face fines for misuse of data, but they will not be required to notify citizens of leaks deemed low‑risk. The government argues that these reforms are essential to accelerate AI development and prevent Japan from falling behind globally.