Government Announces Akiko Murakami as First Director of AI Safety Institute

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hideki Murai announced at a press conference on February 1 that Akiko Murakami, CDO (Chief Digital Officer) of Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. will be the first director of the AI Safety Institute (AISI), a specialized organization to verify the safety of artificial intelligence (AI).

Akiko Murakami, currently serving as the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) of Sompo Japan Insurance Inc., brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Notably, she played a key role in the development of IBM Japan's AI system "Watson," showcasing her expertise in the field. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Murai praised her as the ideal candidate to navigate the complex landscape of AI safety on a global scale.

The AI Safety Institute (AISI) is a specialized organization that will operate under the umbrella of the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA), falling under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The primary objective of AISI is to verify and ensure the safety of AI systems, addressing potential risks that may arise from their implementation.

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