OpenAI's Japan Blueprint, U.S. Energy Call, and AI Caucus Launch - AI Policy Brief #42

Hi there,

Welcome to this week's edition of the AI Policy Brief, where we delve into the latest developments in AI regulations, safety standards, and government policies worldwide. This week, we're looking at a variety of topics, including a new survey that reveals young Americans' perspectives on AI and education, and Heartland Forward's initiative to form an AI caucus aimed at fostering policy and growth. Additionally, Canada is planning to introduce new AI legislation, reflecting a growing trend of nations seeking to regulate AI technologies more effectively.

On the international front, OpenAI has unveiled a blueprint for AI growth in Japan, while Kazakhstan is exploring the use of AI in its lawmaking processes. Meanwhile, Vietnam is proposing a new regulatory framework for AI, and Taiwan recently hosted a forum to discuss AI's role in industry. These stories highlight the global momentum towards integrating AI into various sectors while ensuring that appropriate regulatory measures are in place.

Heartland Forward announced the formation of the Heartland AI Caucus on November 4, 2025, aiming to foster responsible AI policy and economic growth in the heartland region. Meanwhile, a survey by the Sine Institute of Policy & Politics highlights young Americans' concerns about higher education affordability and the need for enhanced AI education.

OpenAI has released a Japan Economic Blueprint aimed at leveraging AI to enhance innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in the country. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Justice is set to integrate artificial intelligence into its lawmaking process to assist in drafting regulatory legal acts, aiming to improve the quality and consistency of laws.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley has urged the federal judiciary to establish formal regulations on AI use, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency. Meanwhile, California has joined Utah in mandating police departments to disclose AI usage in drafting reports, ensuring transparency in law enforcement practices.

OpenAI has urged the U.S. government to increase energy capacity by 100 gigawatts annually to support AI infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a skilled workforce and strategic reserves. Meanwhile, the UK Government has launched an AI Growth Lab to transform AI regulation, allowing firms to test AI products under relaxed rules in regulatory sandboxes.

OpenAI has disclosed that over a million users discuss suicide with ChatGPT weekly, representing 0.15% of its 800 million active users, and is consulting with over 170 mental health experts to improve responses. Meanwhile, Character.AI is restricting chatbot access for users under 18 due to safety concerns, focusing on creative role-playing and implementing age verification.

OpenAI's Sora 2 is under scrutiny as Japanese anime and manga publishers raise copyright infringement concerns, demanding transparency and compensation. Meanwhile, Palantir has filed a lawsuit against former engineers Radha Jain and Joanna Cohen, accusing them of misappropriating trade secrets to launch the AI startup Percepta.