일본의 인공지능(AI) 정책과 소비자 보호 관련 규제 동향

This study analyzes the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies and the trends in consumer protection regulations in Japan. As AI technology becomes a primary service and product in the consumer market, concerns regarding market disruption-such as “AI washing” and structural information asymmetry-have increased. In response, the Japanese government enacted the “Act on the Promotion of Research, Development, and Utilization of AI-Related Technology (AI Promotion Act)” in 2025, establishing a systematic legal framework that transitions from guideline-based voluntary governance to a more structured approach. Japan’s AI regulatory framework is characterized by a “Soft Law” approach, prioritizing flexibility and innovation while selectively applying “Hard Law” to high-risk areas like mobile software ecosystems. Notably, the Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan has focused on enhancing consumer AI literacy and preventive protection through the “AI Working Group” and the “AI Utilization Handbook.” This strategy aims to bridge the gap between AI’s technical complexity and consumer understanding, ensuring that AI-driven market expansion aligns with consumer trust. This research concludes that Japan’s balanced model of industrial promotion and rights protection provides implications for South Korea’s future AI policy directions.