On October 2, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on her X account that she had received a letter from former Apple CEO Tim Cook and others. She noted that she had previously received a letter outlining Apple's safety measures for users, including children.
The Prime Minister highlighted the serious issue of child and youth suicide, the increasing number of children facing difficulties who turn to generative AI for advice, and similar cases overseas that have become social problems. She then requested cooperation, including the implementation of features that contribute to suicide prevention measures in generative AI embedded in devices.
Apple explained that it is advancing initiatives to connect users with serious concerns to local support services and strengthening safety measures for children. John Ternus also reportedly expressed his intention to collaborate with the Japanese government.
On X, in response to this post, critical reactions were prominent, with comments such as "Isn't the cause more fundamental than AI?" While some voices positively evaluated the Prime Minister's initiative, the majority of reactions were negative.
I recently received a letter from former Apple CEO Tim Cook (@tim_cook).
In a previous letter, Apple had introduced its initiatives regarding user safety measures, including for children, and efforts to enhance safety features.
In response, I conveyed that child and youth suicide is a serious issue, and that there is an increasing number of children facing difficulties who consult generative AI. Furthermore, as cases where young people who consulted generative AI committed suicide have been pointed out as social problems overseas, I requested cooperation on appropriate measures for generative AI embedded in devices, including the implementation of features contributing to suicide prevention.
In response to my request, Apple explained that they are advancing initiatives, including generative AI, to connect users at risk of suicide or with serious concerns to local support services. They also stated that they will continue to further enhance features, including safety measures for children, to ensure children can stay safe online in the future.
Regarding the serious issue of child suicide, I hope that generative AI services can serve as a catalyst for children in difficult situations to access counseling services and support providers, thereby contributing to appropriate support.
Furthermore, following CEO Cook's appointment as Executive Chairman, I also received a letter from the newly appointed CEO, John Ternus (@johnternus).
From CEO Ternus, I received strong words stating that, towards "ensuring online safety" and "preventing child suicide," they will fully commit to ensuring child safety in the deployment of generative AI, and will share goals and work in cooperation with the Japanese government.
While I have high expectations for Apple's future initiatives, the government will also continue to advance efforts to develop a safe and secure internet environment for children, valuing cooperation with international partners, including global companies.
— Sanae Takaichi (@takaichi_sanae) October 2, 2026
