Privacy & Data Protection · Japan
Act on the Protection of Personal Information
Japan's core data protection law, overseen by the independent Personal Information Protection Commission. It combines administrative corrective orders with criminal penalties for serious or repeated non-compliance.
REGULATORPersonal Information Protection Commission (PPC)
REGIONJapan
EFFECTIVE2003, substantially amended 2022
Who it applies to
- Business operators handling personal information in Japan
- Organisations outside Japan handling data of individuals in Japan for goods or services
- Both private businesses and certain public-sector bodies
Key requirements
- Clear notification or publication of the purpose of use
- Restrictions on cross-border transfers absent equivalent protection
- Breach reporting to the PPC for reportable incidents
- Anonymisation and pseudonymisation rules for secondary use
- Individual rights to disclosure, correction and suspension of use
Maximum penaltyCriminal penalties for individuals plus corporate fines of up to ¥100 million for serious violations
Go to the source
Official resources
Praeferre's summary is a starting point, not legal advice. For the authoritative text and current guidance, go directly to the governing body.
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