June 3, 2024 Holding of a meeting of the “Expert Committee for Formulating Relevant Regulations for the Certification System for e-Seals”

 The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will hold an expert committee meeting to study the formulation of relevant regulations necessary for the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications to operate the e-seals certification system.

1. Purpose

 As digitization is promoted throughout society, it is crucial to form a foundation that enables the safe and secure distribution of electronic data. To prevent electronic data falsification, spoofing, and other threats, the use of trust services is expected. The amount of electronic data issued by companies and other entities is increasing. To cope with this situation, the use of "e-seals," issued by companies and other entities, in particular, is highly anticipated to improve operational efficiency and productivity. E-seals certify the issuing source of electronic data.
 Against this background, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications established a "study group on e-seals" in September 2023 to promote their further spread and utilization. The study group is discussing the e-seal certification system, including its necessity. In April 2024, the MIC published the "Final Summary of Study Group on e-Seal" based on the group's discussions. The final summary includes the establishment of an e-seal certification system. The MIC also published the "Guidelines on e-Seal (Second Edition)."
 In light of this background, the MIC will convene a meeting of the Expert Committee, with the aim of establishing an e-seal certification system under the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications. The meeting will focus on discussing the formulation of relevant regulations necessary for operating the system.

2. Items to be considered

 (1) Relevant regulations pertaining to certification
 (2) Other

3. Schedule

 The first meeting of the Expert Committee will be held in the near future, followed by subsequent meetings held sequentially.

4. Notes

 As a general rule, this meeting will be closed to the public. Publication could potentially harm the rights and interests of meeting members or third parties, or hinder the open exchange of opinions among members.
 Instead, materials distributed at the meeting will be released after the meeting. A summary of the proceedings will be prepared and published as soon as possible. However, if disclosing the distributed materials may hinder the smooth progress of this meeting, they will not be disclosed.