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Tokyo officials plan to subsidize smartphones for elderly residents who don't own one and expand tech assistance workshops to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to public services. This initiative aims to address concerns that elderly individuals will be excluded from future services accessible primarily through a government app.

The Supreme Court of Japan has ruled that companies can be held liable for patent infringement even if their servers are located abroad. This landmark decision was made in a case involving Dwango Co., the operator of the popular video-sharing site Nico Nico Douga, and U.S.-based FC2 Inc., which offers a similar service.

The Japanese government's decision to incorporate the Science Council of Japan (SCJ) has sparked concerns about academic freedom, despite efforts to strengthen state oversight. While the council will gain the benefits of being a special corporation, the government's involvement raises questions about potential limitations on the SCJ's independence.

The Japanese government is considering new regulations to combat AI-related human rights violations through naming and shaming, aiming to strike a balance between promoting innovation and mitigating risks. The proposed legislation will grant the government authority to investigate and disclose AI services that promote discrimination or infringe on human rights, with the goal of encouraging responsible AI development.

The ruling coalition and opposition Nippon Ishin agreed on education and social welfare policies, including free senior high school education and lower social insurance premiums, to ensure passage of the fiscal 2025 budget. This agreement, reached after a meeting between policy chiefs, requires revisions to the budget to cover the costs of these policies before its passage by the end of March.