To Be Implemented Starting May 16
The Japanese government will implement a system starting May 16 to assess the eligibility of individuals handling information important from an economic security perspective.
According to the Asahi Shimbun and Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on the 1st, the eligibility assessment is based on the Act on the Protection and Utilization of Important Economic Security Information, which was passed by the National Diet in May last year.
Important economic security information pertains to sectors that could pose security risks, such as electric power, telecommunications, finance, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI). The assessment targets government officials and civilians seeking access to confidential government information, and only those who pass the evaluation are granted the authority to handle such information. The evaluation criteria include work history, alcohol consumption level, debt status, and the nationality of family members.
The Asahi pointed out concerns about "invasion of privacy," while the Nikkei criticized that "public understanding is necessary for the operation of the system to ensure transparency."
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