Japan, EU to deepen cooperation to protect minors online; AI also on agenda in Brussels meeting – Asia News Network

May 8, 2026

BRUSSELS – The digital partnership council between Japan and the European Union confirmed that it would strengthen cooperation on protection of minors on online platforms in a joint statement adopted at a minister-level meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday.

The statement “recognized the importance of protecting minors online” and confirmed further deepening of cooperation regarding the expanding use of social media.

To reinforce cooperation on supervisory work toward online platforms, both sides will exchange information on the transparency of content moderation systems and the effectiveness of reporting systems on such platforms and take stronger action regarding them.

As for artificial intelligence, both sides “reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting safe, secure and trustworthy AI” in the statement. They will encourage more governments to support the Hiroshima AI Process, an international regulatory framework on the issue led by Japan, and join its Friends Group.

“It’s our shared awareness [that minors should be protected on online platforms],” said Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi at a press conference after taking part in the meeting. “I’d like to closely watch related discussions in the EU and work on the matter in an appropriate manner.”

Digital Transformation Minister Hisashi Matsumoto, who also participated in the meeting, revealed that both sides agreed to share information and cooperate with each other on Japan’s own system for government organizations to safely use generative AI.

Matsumoto also made an official announcement to deploy the system in emerging countries and developing nations, particularly in Southeast Asia.

With the AI development race between the United States and China in mind, Matsumoto said, “If we leave it as it is, it may become a big obstacle for sovereignty.”

As for development and dissemination of AI by other countries, he said, “Japan will cooperate with them in the public sector first and take initiative.”