NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS and IBM Japan signed a basic agreement in the field of AI governance. The two companies will consider developing mechanisms for continuously managing and auditing AI agent usage in accordance with laws and internal regulations, with a view to future commercialization.
NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc. and IBM Japan, Ltd. signed a basic agreement on 7 October 2026 concerning collaboration in AI governance, which manages the development, implementation and use of AI in accordance with laws, ethics and internal regulations. The two companies aim to establish a platform that enables companies to understand when and how they are using AI agents and to continuously control and audit that usage.
As generative AI evolves toward autonomous decision-making and execution, the use of AI agents in business is expanding, while new challenges are emerging, including compliance with laws and regulations in different countries and regions and the risk of information leaks. As a result, the importance of AI governance is increasing, and explanations of the basis for decisions and monitoring and auditing of operational status are required.
The agreement covers consideration of an architecture and usage model for implementing AI governance, consideration of the areas in which technologies and services could be applied based on assumed use cases, and consideration of a delivery model and implementation structure with a view to future commercialization and commercial deployment.
Going forward, the two companies will use their respective technologies and expertise to verify and demonstrate management, control, security and operational initiatives suited to the era of AI agents, and will consider commercialization based on the results. NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS plans to draw on its track record in data utilization and identity management, while IBM will contribute its expertise in AI governance and security.