Welcome to "AI or Not," the podcast where we explore the intersection of digital transformation and real-world wisdom, hosted by the accomplished Pamela Isom. With over 25 years of experience guiding leaders in corporate, public, and private sectors, Pamela, the CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting LLC, is a veteran in successfully navigating the complex realms of artificial intelligence, innovation, cyber issues, governance, data management, and ethical decision-making.

Ever wonder how a career in e-commerce can lead to becoming a leading advocate for data privacy? Join us as we chat with Kohei Kurihara, the co-founder and CEO of Privacy by Design Lab, who shares his unique entrepreneurial journey. From his beginnings at a major Japanese e-commerce company to launching a manga and anime crowdfunding platform, Kohei navigates us through his pivot to international marketing and his impactful work with blockchain organizations. Gain insights into his realization of data categorization's crucial role in innovation and how this inspired him to create a privacy-focused community, culminating in the Privacy by Design Conference.

In the latter part of the episode, we unravel the complex world of data transfer and privacy governance, spotlighting TikTok as a case study. Explore the multifaceted challenges of international data protection and the implications for national security. Kohei emphasizes the significance of data categorization, understanding data lineage, and ensuring governance to prevent misuse. We also discuss Japan's AI guidelines, which promote transparency, privacy protection, and human-centric design. Exciting AI innovations that prioritize privacy and data minimization are paving the way for more accurate and trustworthy user interactions, making this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating the digital landscape.