Developers of artificial intelligence and those concerned with the technology in Japan have launched an organization to promote the use of image generative AI in a way that will not infringe copyrights.

About 20 people, including AI developers, company officials, university researchers, and lawyers have formed the Japan Image Generative AI Consortium, or JIGAC.

The organization is headed by Mochizuki Ippei, who works for a stock image company.

Mochizuki said on Tuesday that JIGAC aims to concurrently realize the protection of copyrights and the development of technologies. He said the organization wants to push Japan's AI technology to global levels.

JIGAC plans to study a system in which copyright holders can express their intention of whether or not to allow AI to use their data, and a framework in which data providers will gain appropriate compensation.

The organization will also work to increase the transparency of data used by AI in its learning process, and to create an environment to facilitate the development and use of AI more conveniently, while protecting copyrights. It plans to make recommendations as needed to the Japanese government.

Mochizuki said data transparency is crucial as the risk of copyright infringement will make it difficult for customers to use AI. He said he hopes to create a model case for the use of image generative AI under Japanese law through cross-industry collaboration, and offer it to the world.