Okay, let’s break down the news from the Digital Agency of Japan about the updated regulation and its implications.
Headline: Update to Rules on Sharing My Number Information for Specific Administrative Purposes
Key Information:
- Source: Digital Agency of Japan (デジタル庁)
- Date of Update: April 30, 2025, at 06:00 (presumably JST)
- Subject: Update to a notification (告示) specifying the administrative tasks and information where My Number (Individual Number) data can be shared, based on Article 19, Paragraph 8 of the “Act on the Use of Numbers to Identify Specific Individuals in Administrative Procedures” (行政手続における特定の個人を識別するための番号の利用等に関する法律). Specifically, it updates Article 162 of the “Order Concerning the Provision of Specific Personal Information Based on Article 19, Paragraph 8 of the Act on the Use of Numbers to Identify Specific Individuals in Administrative Procedures” (行政手続における特定の個人を識別するための番号の利用等に関する法律第十九条第八号に基づく利用特定個人情報の提供に関する命令第百六十二条).
- Authority Involved: The notification is jointly determined by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications (内閣総理大臣及び総務大臣).
Explanation in Layman’s Terms:
This update revolves around Japan’s “My Number” system (also known as the Individual Number system), a unique identification number assigned to every resident. The core law, “Act on the Use of Numbers to Identify Specific Individuals in Administrative Procedures,” governs how this number can be used and shared.
- The Core Law (The “My Number Act”): This act establishes the framework for using the My Number for administrative efficiency and to streamline social security, tax, and disaster relief procedures. It aims to improve accuracy, reduce paperwork, and prevent fraud.
- Article 19, Paragraph 8: This specific article within the law allows for the provision of specific personal information (linked to the My Number) beyond the initially defined purposes, if it’s necessary for specific administrative tasks. However, this is subject to strict rules and limitations.
- The “Order” (命令): This is a more detailed set of regulations (an “Order”) based on Article 19, Paragraph 8. It outlines how the sharing of My Number-linked information can happen in specific scenarios.
- The “Notification” (告示) – The Update: The Digital Agency updated a “Notification” which defines in detail which specific administrative tasks and what types of information fall under the allowed sharing as described in the “Order.” It determines the specific “事務及び情報 (tasks and information)” that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications have agreed upon. This is not a new law or order, but a clarification or revision of the existing list of approved use cases. Article 162 in this case is the specific article under the notification.
- Why is this important? The My Number system raises privacy concerns. This update likely clarifies or expands the permitted uses of My Number information. It is important to monitor these updates to ensure the system is used responsibly and respects individual privacy.
Possible Reasons for the Update:
Without analyzing the actual updated text, here are some general reasons why this notification might have been updated:
- Expanding the System: The government may have identified new administrative areas where using My Number information could improve efficiency or effectiveness.
- Addressing Gaps: Perhaps existing regulations were unclear, leading to confusion or inconsistencies. This update could clarify the rules.
- Responding to Changes: New laws, policies, or technological advancements might necessitate adjustments to how My Number information is used.
- Privacy Enhancements: While expansions are possible, the update could also involve stricter rules to protect privacy based on identified risks.
What Needs Further Investigation:
To fully understand the impact of this update, you would need to:
- Access the Actual Updated Text: The most crucial step is to find the actual updated notification on the Digital Agency’s website (or related government sites). Look for the official “告示” (Notification) document.
- Analyze the Changes: Compare the updated notification to the previous version. Identify exactly which “事務及び情報 (tasks and information)” have been added, removed, or modified.
- Consider the Context: Research the reasons behind the update. Were there any public consultations, reports, or policy announcements that shed light on the government’s intentions?
- Assess the Impact: Evaluate the potential impact of the changes on citizens, businesses, and government agencies. Are there any new privacy risks? Will it significantly improve administrative efficiency?
In Conclusion:
The Digital Agency of Japan updated a notification that specifies the administrative tasks and types of information for which My Number data can be shared under specific legal provisions. This update is significant because it defines the boundaries of My Number usage and has implications for privacy and administrative efficiency. Accessing and analyzing the updated text is essential to fully understand the changes and their potential impact. It is necessary to be aware of these changes to be informed on how government is using your number.
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-04-30 06:00, ‘行政手続における特定の個人を識別するための番号の利用等に関する法律第十九条第八号に基づく利用特定個人情報の提供に関する命令第百六十二条の内閣総理大臣及び総務大臣が定める事務及び情報を定める告示を更新しました’ was published according to デジタル庁. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
1055