Japan Proposes Law To Classify More Confidential Info With Stringent Security Checks

What are the Proposed Bills?

The first bill suggests extending the classification of confidential information and implementing security clearance checks for employees at relevant companies. The clearance process involves interviews, assessments of past substance abuse, criminal history checks, psychological evaluations, financial scrutiny, and questioning of family members. The second bill establishes a new security clearance system specifically for handling confidential information related to economic security. This includes information on supply chains, critical infrastructure, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

What are the Concerns?

Opposition lawmakers express concerns about potential infringements on civil liberties, arguing that the proposed rules could impede personal privacy. There are also worries about the impact on freedom of the press. In response to these concerns, the government emphasizes that individuals must provide consent for security clearance checks. The bills, screened by an expert panel, aim to protect personal information, ensuring it is used solely for safeguarding critical economic and security data.

Why are These Bills Necessary

The proposed bills address the "dual-use" problem and acknowledge the importance of economic-security concerns, especially in emerging technologies. Japan's lack of a security clearance system for sensitive economic information has raised fears of information leakage to foreign entities and hindered the country's participation in international projects.

What are the Penalties?

Under the proposed legislation, individuals found sharing confidential government information could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 5 million yen. However, comparisons highlight that violating the Designated Secrets Act could result in a 10-year prison term, emphasizing the importance placed on economic-security information.

What's Next?

The bills are expected to be presented to parliament soon, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressing optimism about strengthening Japan's information security and expanding international business opportunities for domestic firms. While concerns persist, the government assures that the information collected will be treated confidentially, respecting the right to privacy, personal information protection, and freedom of the press. Lawmakers are anticipated to pass the bills in the current parliamentary session, marking a significant step in Japan's efforts to modernize its security framework.

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