Tsukuba (Tokyo)
Ministers from the Group of 20 countries who are in charge of trade and the digital economy have begun a two-day meeting in the Japanese city of Tsukuba, north of Tokyo.
They are focusing on the digital economy on Saturday, the first day. Ministers in charge are discussing how to secure safety and privacy in the face of the rapid spread of electronic data and artificial intelligence worldwide.
Japanese communications minister Masatoshi Ishida as well as trade and industry minister Hiroshige Seko are attending the talks.
Seko is co-chairing the meeting. He said in his opening remarks that the free flow of data is necessary for the development of the whole world.
He said he wants the participants to share the concept of promoting the free flow of data, which is essential for technological innovation.
The ministers are to discuss safe ways to ensure the cross-border exchange of data, and the creation of international rules on the use of artificial intelligence.
The outcome of their talks is expected to be released in a joint declaration later in the day.