December 17, 2007

Study Group on Enforcement of the Law Concerning Electronic Signatures and Certification Services Convened

MIC, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) jointly hold a study group on enforcement of the Law Concerning Electronic Signatures and Certification Services.

1. Purpose
The Law Concerning Electronic Signatures and Certification Services (hereinafter, "Electronic Signatures Law") was promulgated in May 2000 after deliberation at the 147th Diet session and came into force on April 1, 2001.

Article 3 of the Supplementary Provisions of the Electronic Signatures Law stipulates that the status of enforcement of the Law should be examined when five years have passed since the enforcement. Since 2006, MIC, MOJ and METI have conducted hearings with outside experts to identify issues in regard to the enforcement of the Law. The ministries now convene this study group to discuss the identified issues and reflect the results in the future operation of the Electronic Signatures Law.

2. Study items
(1) Measures to improve the safety of encryption technology used for electronic signatures
(2) Confirmation of user authenticity in accredited certifications services
(3) Operation of the accreditation system of designated certifications services
(4) Other matters that need to be studied

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International Policy Division,
International Affairs Department
Telecommunications Bureau, MIC
TEL: +81 3 5253 5920 / FAX: +81 3 5253 5924