The government at a Cabinet meeting Friday adopted a bill allowing it to investigate businesses, give them guidance and disclose, as needed, their names in cases of human rights abuses and other malicious activities related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The government hopes that the bill, which is aimed at balancing AI development and measures to deal with risks related to the new technology, will be passed into law during the current ordinary session of parliament.

The legislation is expected to "enhance the effectiveness of risk countermeasures, including through investigations into cases where people's rights and interests have been infringed," science and technology policy minister Minoru Kiuchi told a news conference while noting that the bill does not include "excessive regulations" that could impede technological innovation.

The bill states that if AI is utilized for inappropriate purposes or in an inappropriate way, it may help increase its use in crimes as well as leaks of personal information and violations of copyrights.

When people's rights and interests are violated, the government would be allowed to take measures such as conducting investigations of, and giving guidance or advice to, related businesses and publish the names of malicious operators, the bill says.

The legislation also stipulates that businesses must cooperate with the government's AI-related measures. But it does not include any penalties to avoid hindering technological innovation.

In addition, the bill spells out that AI is a technology that serves as a foundation for socioeconomic development and is also important in terms of national security.

Furthermore, it calls for the establishment of an AI strategy headquarters, comprising all Cabinet ministers and headed by the prime minister, which will be responsible for formulating a basic AI plan, including government policies on technological development and state support.

While the European Union sets administrative penalties for inappropriate AI use under its relevant regulatory law as it puts its emphasis on safety, the Japanese government, concerned that tougher regulations would hinder businesses' willingness to develop the technology, plans to deal with malicious cases by applying existing laws including the criminal code and the copyright law.