May 8, 2026
Brussels – Japan and the European Union Digital Partnership Council confirmed strengthening cooperation on the protection of minors on online platforms in a joint statement adopted at a ministerial meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday.
The statement “recognized the importance of protecting minors online” and confirmed further cooperation in expanding the use of social media.
In order to strengthen cooperation in supervisory work against 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 measures in their regard.
Regarding artificial intelligence, both sides “reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing safe, secure, and trustworthy AI” in a statement. They plan to encourage more governments to support the Hiroshima AI Process, an international regulatory framework on this issue led by Japan, and to join its Friends Group.
“That’s our common understanding. [that minors should be protected on online platforms]At a press conference after attending the meeting, Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said, “I would like to closely monitor related discussions within the EU and take appropriate action.”
Hisashi Matsumoto, Minister of State for Digital Transformation, who attended the meeting, announced that both sides agreed to share information and cooperate on Japan’s unique system for the safe use of generative AI by government agencies.
Mr. Matsumoto also officially announced expansion into emerging and developing countries, mainly in Southeast Asia.
Matsumoto said, keeping in mind the competition in AI development between the United States and China, “If left as is, it could become a major obstacle to sovereignty.”
Regarding the development and dissemination of AI by other countries, he said, “Japan will first cooperate in the public sector and take the initiative.”
