June 19, 2015
In intensive discussions related to the recent incident where a vast amount of personal information had been leaked from the Japan Pension Service, Japanese Communist Party lawmaker Takahashi Chizuko on June 18 demanded the cancellation of an ID number system for social security and taxation, the “My Number” system.
Takahashi at a House of Representatives Budget Committee meeting pointed out that the government repeatedly neglected to take preventive measures against data leaks and that its information security system has full of holes. Welfare Minister Shiozaki Yasuhisa admitted his responsibility by saying that the ministry was not prepared for such a major breach in data security.
Regarding the My Number system, which will enable the government to keep tabs on everyone’s personal information, Takahashi said that the system will affect a great majority of the public, including 92.83 million people covered by public health insurance. She stressed that the government has yet to finish its investigations into the pension data breach, let alone implement measures to prevent a recurrence. She demanded that the government give up its plan to announce the individual ID numbers in October.
Amari Akira, Minister in charge of Total Reform of Social Security and Tax, hinted that the government will carry out the plan as scheduled. Takahashi stated that there is absolutely no need to stick to the current schedule.
The JCP lawmaker also pointed out that a bill is under Diet discussion to allow the My Number system to handle data regarding bank accounts. She criticized the government for seeking to expand the coverage of the My Number even before the system goes into force.
Past related article:
> Leak of personal information about public pensions overturns basis of ‘My Number’ system [June 2, 2015]
Takahashi at a House of Representatives Budget Committee meeting pointed out that the government repeatedly neglected to take preventive measures against data leaks and that its information security system has full of holes. Welfare Minister Shiozaki Yasuhisa admitted his responsibility by saying that the ministry was not prepared for such a major breach in data security.
Regarding the My Number system, which will enable the government to keep tabs on everyone’s personal information, Takahashi said that the system will affect a great majority of the public, including 92.83 million people covered by public health insurance. She stressed that the government has yet to finish its investigations into the pension data breach, let alone implement measures to prevent a recurrence. She demanded that the government give up its plan to announce the individual ID numbers in October.
Amari Akira, Minister in charge of Total Reform of Social Security and Tax, hinted that the government will carry out the plan as scheduled. Takahashi stated that there is absolutely no need to stick to the current schedule.
The JCP lawmaker also pointed out that a bill is under Diet discussion to allow the My Number system to handle data regarding bank accounts. She criticized the government for seeking to expand the coverage of the My Number even before the system goes into force.
Past related article:
> Leak of personal information about public pensions overturns basis of ‘My Number’ system [June 2, 2015]
