Japan Press Weekly

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2015 February 25 - March 3 [POLITICS]

Gov’t should give up use of ‘My Number’ system infringing on people’s human rights

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

The Abe administration is moving forward on a plan to launch the Social Security and Tax Number system, the so-called “My Number” system, in October. Under the system, the government will assign an ID number to every person holding a resident record in Japan and manage their personal information, such as their use of social welfare services and their tax payments. While the government proclaims that the system will help “improve public convenience” in administrative procedures, many people have yet to be convinced of the merits of the system. Furthermore, public concern over the concentration of personal data by the state and the possible leakage of the data has been growing.

The ID number system was introduced in line with a law enacted in May 2013 by the majority force of the Liberal Democratic, Komei, Democratic and Japan Restoration (currently the Japan Innovation Party) parties.

The system, however, remains a mystery to the general public. The Cabinet Office in February released survey results on the “My Number” system which indicated that only 28.3% of respondents “know about the details” of the system. With the implementation of the system just six months away, this low public recognition highlights the fact that the people do not fully understand the need for this ID system.

Meanwhile, in the same survey, many respondents expressed anxieties about the possible invasion of privacy (32.8%), illegal use of personal information (32.3%), and tighter observation by the state (18.2%). Even though the government explained that personal information will be protected using various measures, it failed to reduce public anxieties. This is because “My Number” system is perceived by many to be a danger to protecting private information.

Currently, citizens’ personal information regarding pension, medical, and nursing-care services as well as tax payments and incomes are managed by government offices independent of each other. The “My Number” system will link all information together, which presumably will increase the danger of personal information leakage and identity theft. In the United States, using the Social Security numbering system, leakage of information and illegal use of personal data has increased dramatically in recent years and has become a serious social issue. The government should decide to not introduce this system which will jeopardize people’s basic human rights.


Past related articles:
> Gov’t aims to provide people’s personal data to security authorities [February 24, 2014]
> Gov’t attempting to introduce ID number system [July 30, 2012]