Generative AI Issue to Be in G7 Summit Communique

The Yomiuri Shimbun

14:34 JST, May 17, 2023

The G7 will likely state members’ intentions to compile by the end of this year views on issues surrounding generative artificial intelligence, such as conversational AI model ChatGPT, in the leaders’ communique to be adopted this weekend, according to sources.

The generative AI-related issues to be addressed at the G7 Hiroshima Summit to be held Friday to Sunday include negative effects such as copyright infringement and proliferation of false information.

The leaders will share their recognition that urgent action is needed in light of the rapid progress in AI technology, the Japanese government sources said.

In light of the seriousness of the issues surrounding AI, the draft of the communique includes the digital sector as its own section. It says that G7 leaders will recognize the need to urgently understand the potentials and challenges of generative AI, which is increasing its presence around the world and in various organizations. It also calls on international organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to consider analyzing its impact on policies.

The draft further states that G7 leaders will instruct relevant ministers to consult with each other to consolidate the group’s views in order to formulate G7-led international rules. The subjects listed for consultation are the nature of regulations, protection of intellectual property including copyrights, measures to deal with disinformation such as manipulation of information by foreign powers, and promotion of transparency.

Elsewhere in the draft, a section on diplomacy and security highlights the importance of “peace and stability” across the Taiwan Strait. The communique is expected to express serious concerns over the situation in the East and South China Seas, where Beijing continues its aggressive maritime expansion, and to encourage China to cooperate on global issues such as climate change.

It also condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the “strongest terms” and demands the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops, adding that Moscow’s nuclear threats are unacceptable.

In order to deter China and Russia, which are advancing their development of anti-satellite weapons, the communique is expected to include a call for the international community to voluntarily ban the testing of missiles to destroy satellites.

In addition to the leaders’ communique, arrangements are underway to release separate G7 statements on Ukraine, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, economic security and clean energy, as well as a joint document on food security with India and other invited countries.