January 23, 2024 Release of Interim Report of the Study Group on e-Seal and Results of Solicitation for Opinions

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) solicited opinions on a draft interim report compiled by the Study Group on e-Seal (Chaired by TEZUKA Satoru, Professor at the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University), which summarized the results of studies conducted by the Study Group on e-Seal, from Wednesday, December 13, 2023, through Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Based on the opinions submitted, the study group formulated the “Interim Report of the Study Group on e-Seal and Results of Solicitation for Opinions.” This report is now available to the public, along with the results of solicitation for opinions.

1. Overview

As digitalization is promoted throughout society, it is essential to create a foundation for the safe and secure circulation of electronic data, and the use of trust services to prevent falsification and spoofing of electronic data is expected. In particular, as the volume of electronic data issued by companies increases, the use of e-seals to certify the issuing source of electronic data released by companies is expected from the perspective of improving operational efficiency and productivity.
Against this background, the Study Group on e-Seal has been convened since September 2023 to discuss whether or not a certification system for e-Seal should be established by the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications from the viewpoint of promoting the further spread and utilization of the e-Seal. Based on the results of the discussions, the “Interim Report of the Study Group on e-Seal” was drafted. MIC then held a solicitation for opinions from Wednesday, December 13, 2023, through Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Then, 15 opinions were submitted.
Based on the opinions submitted, the study group has finalized the “Interim Report of the Study Group on e-Seal,” which is now available to the public along with the results of the solicitation for opinions.

2. Opinions submitted

The opinions submitted, along with MIC’s views on the opinions, are shown in Attachment 1.

3. Interim Report of the Study Group on e-Seal

The “Interim Report of the Study Group on e-Seal” is shown in Attachment 2.

4. How to obtain materials

The materials in Attachments 1 and 2 will be posted in the Public Comment section of the e-Government (e-Gov) portal (https://www.e-gov.go.jp).

*The published materials are in Japanese only.