Latest news with #LAWS
08-06-2025
- Politics
Objectivity Seen as Key to Screening AI Weapons
News from Japan Society Jun 8, 2025 11:46 (JST) Tokyo, June 8 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Defense Ministry has compiled guidelines on ensuring appropriate human involvement in the research and development of defense equipment using artificial intelligence. While the guidelines are expected to cover R&D activities on equipment including unmanned combat-support drones and unmanned ships, how objectivity and reliability should be secured remains a key challenge as such activities are screened by officials at the ministry. The effectiveness of the guidelines also hinges on to what extent private-sector companies participating in R&D programs disclose AI data concerning intellectual property. How to regulate lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS), which attack targets after AI identifies and selects them, without human involvement, is being discussed at the United Nations. The Japanese government takes the stance that it has no intention to develop lethal weapons that operate completely autonomously without human involvement or to conduct R&D on defense equipment whose use is banned under international and domestic laws. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Yomiuri Shimbun
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Govt Unveils Guidelines for Managing AI-Incorporated Defense Systems; Aims to Cancel Research of Systems Deemed High Risk
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, left, receives an explanation of the next-generation fighter jet at DSEI Japan 2025, an international defense and security equipment exhibition, in Chiba Prefecture in May. The Defense Ministry has unveiled guidelines for managing the risks associated with defense equipment incorporating artificial intelligence, with the aim of ensuring the use of AI remains within the scope of human control. The guidelines clearly state that the government will not permit the research and development of defense equipment if it is found to be Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) , in which a human is not involved in selecting targets or deciding which targets to attack. According to the guidelines, risk management for research and development must be conducted in three stages: classification of AI equipment, a legal review and technical review. Equipment will be examined under these guidelines based on how the judgement of the AI system impacts destructive capabilities, dividing research and development targets into high-risk and low-risk categories. If deemed high-risk, the government will assess compliance with international and domestic laws prior to the commencement of research and development. This includes missile launches that are assisted by AI to identify targets. If deemed LAWS, the system's development and research will be canceled. After the legal review is complete, the process moves on to a technical review. This stage verifies that the design allows for human control and ensures safety through mechanisms that reduce AI malfunctions. To ensure an effective review, the ministry will need the cooperation of defense contractors that design equipment incorporated with AI, requiring them to disclose AI algorithms and other relevant information. The ministry plans to finalize the specific methods for ensuring cooperation through future discussions with the companies.
Japan Today
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
Japan sets guidelines for expansion of AI-controlled defense systems
Japan has set guidelines for the safe development of artificial intelligence-controlled defense systems, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Friday, aiming to address ethical concerns over weapons that can operate without direct human involvement. The guidelines outline steps to be followed in the research and development of such defense equipment, calling for careful classification of the systems, legal and policy reviews to guarantee compliance, and technical evaluations of operational reliability. Nakatani said the guidelines are intended to "reduce risks of using AI while maximizing its benefits," adding they are expected to "provide predictability" for the private sector, with his ministry to "promote research and development activities in a responsible way." Global concerns over autonomous weapons that use AI are mounting, as the deployment of combat drones has become commonplace in the war between Russia and Ukraine and in conflicts in the Middle East. The Defense Ministry will conduct reviews to check whether systems meet requirements such as clear human accountability and operational safety, while categorizing such weaponry as "high" or "low" risk. If categorized as high risk based on whether AI influences destructive capabilities, the ministry will assess whether the equipment complies with international and domestic laws, remains under human control, and is not a fully autonomous lethal weapon. The ministry unveiled its first-ever basic policy for the promotion of AI use last July, focusing on seven fields including detection and identification of military targets, command and control, and logistical support. Last May, the Foreign Ministry submitted a paper on Japan's stance on lethal autonomous weapons systems, or LAWS, to the United Nations, stating that a "human-centric" principle should be maintained and emerging technologies must be developed and used "in a responsible manner." © KYODO
The Mainichi
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Japan sets guidelines for expansion of AI-controlled defense systems
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan has set guidelines for the safe development of artificial intelligence-controlled defense systems, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Friday, aiming to address ethical concerns over weapons that can operate without direct human involvement. The guidelines outline steps to be followed in the research and development of such defense equipment, calling for careful classification of the systems, legal and policy reviews to guarantee compliance, and technical evaluations of operational reliability. Nakatani said the guidelines are intended to "reduce risks of using AI while maximizing its benefits," adding they are expected to "provide predictability" for the private sector, with his ministry to "promote research and development activities in a responsible way." Global concerns over autonomous weapons that use AI are mounting, as the deployment of combat drones has become commonplace in the war between Russia and Ukraine and in conflicts in the Middle East. The Defense Ministry will conduct reviews to check whether systems meet requirements such as clear human accountability and operational safety, while categorizing such weaponry as "high" or "low" risk. If categorized as high risk based on whether AI influences destructive capabilities, the ministry will assess whether the equipment complies with international and domestic laws, remains under human control, and is not a fully autonomous lethal weapon. The ministry unveiled its first-ever basic policy for the promotion of AI use last July, focusing on seven fields including detection and identification of military targets, command and control, and logistical support. Last May, the Foreign Ministry submitted a paper on Japan's stance on lethal autonomous weapons systems, or LAWS, to the United Nations, stating that a "human-centric" principle should be maintained and emerging technologies must be developed and used "in a responsible manner."
CTV News
25-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Dare 2B Challenged inspires local women and girls
An energetic group of over 320 women and girls took part in the annual Dare 2B Challenged run/walk Sunday morning at Holiday Beach. The event is a celebration of strength, resilience, and female empowerment through sport. Participants with a wide range of athletic backgrounds laced up their shoes to raise funds for LAWS (Ladies Active in Wellness and Sport), an organization committed to fostering a supportive culture for females pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle. Event Director Barb Pollard, who started the initiative, shared her personal motivation for launching the run. 'I grew up without an opportunity to be involved in sport,' Pollard said. 'I want to create an opportunity for young girls and young women to come out and participate in events like this. They challenge themselves a little bit, and then we all feel good and we can all celebrate at the end of the race.' The event has become a meaningful tradition for many families, including Tara Cohoe and her daughter Teah Durocher, who participated for the fourth consecutive year. This year, they dedicated their run to Kelly Steele, a passionate runner currently facing health challenges. 'This race is really important for us for our mental health,' said Cohoe. 'Today we ran for Kelly Steele because she's our inspirational runner, and we're carrying the torch until she can carry it back.' For Durocher, the event's significance goes far beyond physical activity. 'Bringing people up. Bringing your self-esteem up. It really helps me to push myself to do better,' she said.
