Summary of Minister Fujii’s Post-Cabinet Press Conference
Overview
The Minister explained the Cabinet’s approval of a special bill for the unified local elections, the enforcement of amendments to the Postal Privatization Act and related laws, and the launch of a study group on data protection and security in the telecommunications sector. He also discussed cybersecurity measures following the suspension of municipal disaster email services and systems for delivering disaster information. In response to questions, he addressed the study group’s work and his plans to visit Yasukuni Shrine.
Key points
- The Cabinet approved a special bill on the dates and other matters for the unified local elections, and the government aims to submit it to the Diet and secure its passage promptly.
- Amendments to the Postal Privatization Act and related laws revise the system to ensure universal service for the three postal businesses and support local communities by using the post office network.
- The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will hold a meeting to examine data protection and security in the telecommunications sector.
- The government called on local authorities to secure other means of communication so they can deliver disaster information even when disaster prevention email services are suspended.
Overview
The Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications explained the special bill for the unified local elections and a Cabinet Order related to amendments to the Postal Privatization Act and other laws as matters approved by the Cabinet. The amendments respond to changes in postal services and socioeconomic conditions driven by the declining birthrate, aging population, population decline, and depopulation.
The study group was convened in response to major data breach incidents, the emergence of frontier AI, and the shift of telecommunications services toward software and cloud-based systems. The challenge is to develop comprehensive, effective measures suited to changes in the telecommunications environment.
Impact
If a disaster prevention email service is suspended, delivery of disaster information to residents may be affected. The Minister said it is important to maintain systems for delivering information through other available means, such as manually operated disaster prevention administrative radio. He added that having multiple means available is effective when a particular channel is disrupted.
Details
Under the amended laws, providing essential services through post offices to support residents’ daily and social lives will become a core business of Japan Post. Working under commissions from municipalities and public service providers, post offices will handle My Number Card applications and offer services such as online medical consultations. The government was also asked to consider the organization of the Japan Post Group, regulations on Japan Post Bank and Japan Post Insurance, and measures to ensure stable, sustainable postal operations.
The study group will discuss technical measures to address vulnerabilities, governance, and regulation that enables comprehensive measures, and will consider policy directions. Experts in information law, economic security, corporate governance, security and personal information protection, ICT, and consumer affairs are expected to participate, along with telecommunications industry associations and relevant ministries as observers. The group will interview stakeholders after its meetings.
Regarding the suspension of municipal disaster prevention email services, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is checking the causes and extent of damage with the provider that suffered unauthorized access. It said it will provide necessary information and support to local authorities and contractors. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency called on local authorities to assess the effects of the service suspension on information delivery and secure other means, such as manually operated disaster prevention administrative radio. Support for establishing multiple means is provided through instruments such as Emergency Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Bonds.