Japan's ruling party pushes for penalties in AI law to combat deepfakes and copyright theft
Japan's Liberal Democratic Party is calling on the government to add enforcement penalties to the country's artificial intelligence law, citing growing concerns over deepfakes and copyright infringement from generative AI systems.
The party's AI and Web3 panel released recommendations this month arguing that Japan's current framework lacks the punitive tools needed to compel AI operators to comply with government requests or corrective orders.
Japan enacted its Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology in 2025. The law allows the government to investigate and provide guidance when AI systems harm people's rights or interests, but it contains no penalties for non-compliance.
Enforcement gaps and overseas services
The proposal specifically targets businesses that ignore government information requests and operators that repeatedly generate copyright-infringing content. The party said the government should study what penalties would be effective.
The LDP highlighted cases where overseas generative AI services produced images and videos resembling Japanese anime and manga characters without authorization. The party wants operators to disclose their safeguards against such outputs, explain how they handle training data, and detail corrective steps they've taken.
These requirements would apply to foreign companies offering services in Japan, addressing a gap in the current law's ability to regulate international AI providers.
Industrial strategy alongside regulation
The party also proposed supporting Japan's domestic AI sector through investment in self-driving vehicle technology, robot parts manufacturing, and semiconductor development. Special robotics zones would accelerate deployment of these technologies.
The dual approach reflects the government's goal to achieve both "AI sovereignty" - reducing dependence on foreign systems - and industrial competitiveness in AI-related fields.
For government officials evaluating AI policy, the Japanese case illustrates the practical enforcement challenges that emerge when laws lack penalty provisions. The recommendations suggest that regulatory frameworks require explicit consequences to function effectively.
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