First AI minister likens overregulation to refusal to adopt the printing press

Nov 30, 2023 ·

The world’s first AI minister, Hideki Makino, was recently appointed in Japan. In a recent interview, he likened the AI minister role to a human minister, in that both are responsible for setting policies and ensuring their implementation. AI ministers are different from humans, however, in that they are powered by machine learning algorithms which enable them to have a more comprehensive understanding of policy issues and provide more accurate insight for decision-making.

Makino sees AI as an important tool for implementing effective public policy. He has said that AI can help identify problems such as poverty and access to health care before they become too large to handle. With the help of AI, the government will be able to make better decisions in terms of public spending and taxation, resulting in improved quality of life for citizens.

However, some experts warn that there are risks associated with allowing AI to set policies. For example, AI could potentially lead to an increase in inequality if it is not managed properly. Additionally, there is also the question of whether AI should be allowed to make decisions that could affect fundamental human rights.

Makino is aware of these issues and has taken steps to ensure that AI is used responsibly. He has implemented measures such as requiring AI to pass certain tests before being used for policy-making and ensuring that all decisions made by AI are transparent.

Overall, Makino’s appointment has been seen as a sign of progress when it comes to the use of AI in public policy. It is hoped that his work will set the path for other countries to follow in order to successfully implement policies using AI. By doing so, it is believed that this can help improve the overall quality of life for citizens around the world.