“My Number” Update
Jan 22, 2016
“My Number” Update
Japan’s new Social Security and Tax Number System – My Number, has come into effect as of January 1, 2016.
As previously detailed before its inception on this blog, the My Number system is required that every citizen and foreign resident of more than 3 months is issued a 12-digit individual number in which to identify them for social security a tax purposes. The number is also intended to be used to manage information efficiently in the field of disaster management. Additionally, it would be used to verify personal information.
“Personal Information Protection Commission”
To coincide with the commencement of the My Number system, the independent administration commission authorized to monitor and regulate this new system under the My Number Act was renamed the “Personal Information Protection Commission” (formerly the “Specific Personal Information Protection Commission”) as of January 1, 2016.
This change was decided with the promulgation of the Amended Act on the Protection of Personal Information (“APPI) in September last year. This new title highlights the commission’s added responsibility to monitor and regulate the handling of personal information under that Act.
The APPI encompasses an extensive amendment to the original act. It notably clarifies the definition of personal information and creates restrictions on the use of personal information. According to the amendment the commission is tasked with drafting the necessary guidelines to reflect the APPI, as well as reporting enforcement functions and issuance of administrative orders. This responsibility will come into fruition two years from the date of promulgation (September 9, 2015).
More information on the Commission can be found on their website, also available in English here.
You are welcome to contact us via the Contact Form to discuss and for more information.
