Delivered on April 27, 2026
Who decides which technologies are "acceptable to use" in the age of AI? ELSI and the future of location information: A discussion with Professor Kishimoto of Osaka University
Speakers:
Professor Mitsuo Kishimoto, Director, Center for Co-creation of Social Technology, Osaka University
Affiliation and position information is as of the time of distribution
This discussion focuses on "ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues)," an essential theme in an era of expanding AI and location data utilization. Rather than a simple choice between "proceed because it's convenient" or "stop because it's dangerous," the discussion explores how much risk society is willing to accept. From the background of the LBMA Japan's location data utilization guidelines to the role of humanities and social sciences in the age of generative AI, and the perspectives necessary for the social implementation of technology, the speaker provided a clear and in-depth explanation.
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Osaka University ELSI Center and Professor Mitsuo Kishimoto's Initiatives
Professor Mitsuo Kishimoto, Director of the Center for Co-creation of Social Technology at Osaka University (commonly known as the "ELSI Center"), specializes in risk studies and researches the challenges associated with the social implementation of cutting-edge technologies. Professor Kishimoto also serves as the head of the Social Technology Research Division at the D3 Center (Data Promotion and Utilization/Digital Transformation Education and Research Center), which brings together AI engineers, data scientists, and supercomputer experts. He provides insights from the humanities and social sciences from a position close to the front lines of promoting DX (Digital Transformation).
Professor Kishimoto has a deep connection with LBMA Japan (Location Business Japan), dating back to just before the center's establishment in 2019. At that time, when LBMA Japan was formulating the first edition of Japan's first "Guidelines on the Utilization of Location Information Data," Professor Kishimoto reviewed it from an ELSI perspective, contributing significantly to the creation of effective guidelines.
Definition and Origin of ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues)
ELSI is an acronym for "Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues," which translates to "ethical, legal, and social issues" in Japanese. This concept originated in 1990 in the United States as part of the research and development program when the Human Genome Project was launched.
The concept at the time was extremely advanced: instead of considering problems after the technology was completed, it aimed to predict and prepare in advance for the social impacts that would arise if the technology were successful, starting from the research and development stage. In particular, the goal was to aim for the sound social implementation of the technology by identifying foreseeable negative impacts and taking countermeasures. This "preventive measures" approach is becoming increasingly important in the fields of modern AI and data science.
The Connection Between Location Data and ELSI
The concept of ELSI plays a crucial role in promoting the utilization of location data. When LBMA Japan was formulating its guidelines, the definition of location information in the Personal Information Protection Act had not yet been clearly established.
Among businesses, there had been vague discussions about prohibiting uses that promote discrimination or distinction, and restricting uses that inappropriately influence individuals' behavior and thinking. However, the challenge lay in how to define these restrictions and where to set their scope. Professor Kishimoto, citing the history of addressing concerns about discrimination arising from human genome analysis (such as disadvantages in insurance enrollment and employment), argued that location data, likewise, requires proactive discussion to protect individual privacy and rights. The true mission of ELSI is to take preventative measures to avoid problems when technology is implemented in society, and to provide feedback to the technology development side as needed.
"Social Technology" Created by the Humanities and Social Sciences and Industry-Academia Collaboration in the Humanities
Professor Kishimoto advocates the concept of "social technology" through his own activities. While researchers in the sciences develop "science and technology," researchers in the humanities and social sciences develop "social technology" to make it acceptable to society. This includes formulating ethical principles and developing assessment methodologies.
Since the establishment of the ELSI Center, collaborative research with more than 10 companies has progressed. This is an extremely rare case where the humanities and social sciences are taking the lead in industry-academia collaboration, which has traditionally been centered on medicine and engineering. This can be seen as evidence that in uncertain times, knowledge from philosophy, ethics, and law is needed as a "compass" for business. While the use of experts such as philosophers in corporate management and AI development is spreading globally, the accumulation of know-how on how to translate that knowledge into practical applications is currently underway.
Acceptance and Consensus Building of New Technologies from a Risk Studies Perspective
At the core of Professor Kishimoto's specialty, "risk studies," is the premise that "risk can never be zero." Society enjoys the benefits of technologies while tolerating a certain level of risk, such as driving a car or consuming food containing trace amounts of harmful substances. This is also true for AI and location data.
What's important is that there isn't one single, objectively defined "correct risk," but rather a process where businesses honestly explain "what measures they've taken and to what extent they've reduced the risks," and users trust and accept that explanation. Especially with rapidly evolving technologies like AI, objective risk assessment is extremely difficult. However, fulfilling accountability with maximum transparency, even while including subjective elements, is key to building social trust.
Reactions to Technology and Paradigm Shifts from a Historical Perspective
Society's rejection and excessive concern towards new technologies are recurring phenomena throughout history. For example, when radio first appeared, there was a fuss about "children not doing their homework," and similar controversies arose with the spread of the internet, comics, and smartphones.
Looking back at history, humanity has reacted similarly every time a new medium or technology emerges. Analyzing past examples can provide insights into whether current concerns about AI and data utilization are temporary confusion or a genuine situation that warrants a warning. A historical approach provides an objective perspective for understanding the market value of risks and quelling excessive turmoil.
Future Prospects and Systematization of Social Technology
The ELSI Center, led by Professor Kishimoto, aims to further develop diverse insights from the humanities and social sciences in a more theoretical and systematic way. It is necessary to eliminate the silos of specialized fields such as economics, law, and ethics, and to present integrated solutions to real-world business and social challenges.
A major goal for the future is to resist the criticism that the humanities and social sciences are not useful as practical disciplines and to continue proving their potential as indispensable disciplines supporting the social implementation of new technologies. Activities to inherit the knowledge (legacy) gained through large-scale events and projects such as World Expos and to incorporate it as an essence into concrete work and social structures will also continue.
Summary
This dialogue demonstrated that the existence of "social technology," which is the counterpart to "science and technology," is indispensable for the social implementation of cutting-edge technologies. The ELSI perspective advocated by Professor Mitsuo Kishimoto of Osaka University is not merely a restraining force, but rather the very process of building a "foundation of trust" for technology to be truly accepted by society.
It involves facing the reality that risk can never be zero, and ensuring that businesses honestly assess and explain those risks. Furthermore, it requires a historical perspective while calmly assessing the changes brought about by modern technology. Integrating these ELSI perspectives from the initial stages of business models in the utilization of personal data, including location data, is the best strategy for achieving both sustainable corporate growth and social responsibility. Attempts to integrate the rich knowledge of the humanities and social sciences into practical applications will continue to lead Japan's data business to a higher level.