Review of Japanese Legislation Related to Water and Wastewater in Preparation for Future Developments of Artificial Intelligence

摘要

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) is developing at a rapid pace. In 2015, a computer program based on machine learning (ML), a type of AI, beat a professional Go player without handicaps. This along with other opportunities led to increased discussion and development of applications for ML to other complex fields, including water and wastewater. However, the legal implications and risks of AI to lifelines such as drinking water supply and wastewater treatment have not yet been fully explored. This paper discusses the ability of existing legislative frameworks in Japan to respond to the growing field of AI, as well as identifying potential gaps and challenges thereof, including access to accurate data, demarcation of rights and responsibilities, risk hedging and risk management, monitoring and evaluation, and handling of intellectual property rights. This paper concludes with key recommendations to national and local governments to support the application of AI in the field of water and wastewater.