Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) — OpenAI
The PPC issued formal administrative guidance (a caution) to OpenAI over ChatGPT, requiring it not to acquire sensitive personal data for machine-learning without prior consent and to minimise such data, alongside a public alert on generative-AI use.
Key takeaway — how to prevent this
AI services need a lawful basis, transparency and (for minors) age verification before launch in regulated markets — several DPAs blocked AI products first and asked questions later.
Case brief
Read from the authority's press release on 2026-09-19. Every holding carries a short verbatim quote from that text (in JA, the document's language).
- Decided by
- 個人情報保護委員会
- Parties
- 個人情報保護委員会 v. OpenAI, L.L.C.
- Remedy
- The Personal Information Protection Commission issued administrative alerts and guidance regarding generative AI services to OpenAI, L.L.C. and OpenAI OpCo, LLC.
- Appeal
- Appeal status not stated
Key holdings
The Personal Information Protection Commission decided to issue an alert concerning the use of generative AI services in Japan.
“生成AIサービスの利用に関する注意喚起等を行うこととしました。”
The Commission issued specific cautionary guidance to OpenAI, L.L.C. and OpenAI OpCo, LLC as the developers and providers of ChatGPT.
“OpenAI, L.L.C.及びOpenAI OpCo, LLCに対しては、別添２に記載の概要のとおり、注意喚起を行いました。”
In plain English
The Personal Information Protection Commission of Japan issued an administrative alert concerning the widespread adoption and utilization of generative artificial intelligence services across the country. Generative artificial intelligence services are defined by the regulatory authority as tools that generate text, images, and other content in response to prompts and user instructions. Recognizing the rapid spread of these applications among users and businesses, the regulatory body determined that public guidance was necessary to address privacy and data protection concerns. In addition to establishing broad guidance for users and operators of generative artificial intelligence tools, the authority specifically issued administrative cautionary guidance to OpenAI, L.L.C. and OpenAI OpCo, LLC, the entities that develop and provide the ChatGPT service. The authority made available detailed summary documents outlining the cautionary instructions provided to the company. The action underscores heightened regulatory monitoring of international artificial intelligence service providers operating within Japan to ensure adherence to personal information protection laws.
Inclusion does not imply wrongdoing or liability. Status reflects the latest information we have — always check the official source for current status.