AI Guidelines for Business Ver1.2
The AI Guidelines for Business (Ver. 1.2) provide unified guiding principles for AI governance in Japan to promote the safe and secure utilization of artificial intelligence. Issued jointly by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the document establishes non-binding soft law guidance across the AI lifecycle for developers, providers, and business users. It integrates foundational human-centric philosophies, risk-based agile governance models, and alignment with international frameworks like the Hiroshima AI Process.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
AI business actors including developers, providers, and business users operating in Japan who need guidance on safe and responsible AI implementation.
What the document contains
The document details foundational philosophies, core guiding principles, and specific operational responsibilities for AI developers, providers, and business users across the AI lifecycle. It covers risk management, security measures, bias mitigation, transparency, privacy protection, and agile governance implementation.
The guidelines are non-binding soft law and do not impose direct legal penalties or statutory enforcement mechanisms.
- The guidelines establish unified non-binding soft law principles for AI governance in Japan to balance innovation and risk reduction.
- Three distinct AI business roles are defined and addressed: developers, providers, and business users.
- A risk-based approach and agile governance model are emphasized to handle rapidly evolving AI technologies.
- The document integrates international frameworks, including the Hiroshima AI Process International Guiding Principles.
- Core principles cover human-centric values, safety, fairness, privacy protection, security, transparency, and accountability.
Contents Preface Part 1 Definitions Part 2 Society to aim for with AI, and matters each AI business actor works on Part 3 Matters Related to AI Developers Part 4 Matters Related to AI Providers Part 5 Matters Related to AI Business Users
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
4/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
When developing, providing, or using an AI system or service, it is important that each AI business actor executes its accountability
Part 2, C. 7)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
4/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
During the development, provision, or use of an AI system or service, it is important that each AI business actor makes efforts to eliminate unfair and harmful bias and discrimination
Part 2, C. 3)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
4/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
Based on the social context of AI use, respect human dignity and the autonomy of individuals.
Part 2, C. 1)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
4/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
Ensure controllability that allows humans to control AI as necessary including periodic and objective monitoring and handling
Part 2, C. 2)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
4/5Protection of personal data and private life
It is important that during the development, provision, or use of an AI system or service, each AI business actor respects and protects privacy in accordance with its importance.
Part 2, C. 4)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
4/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
When developing, providing, or using an AI system or service, based on the social context when the AI system or service is used, it is important that each AI business actor provides stakeholders with information
Part 2, C. 6)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
4/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Each AI business actor first conducts an environment and risk analysis for the AI system or service based on the benefits and risks
Part 2, E
screening score · 2026-10-23