On 10 July 2026, the Japanese Diet passed a wide range of amendments to the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (Act No. 57 of 2003) (the “APPI”), including the introduction of an administrative fine system. The amendment act was promulgated on 17 July 2026. This amendment affects not only Japanese companies but also companies located outside of Japan. The APPI applies to companies located outside of Japan to the extent that they handle information regarding individuals in Japan in connection with providing goods or services to persons in Japan. Accordingly, non-Japanese companies, too, must understand the added and strengthened regulations pursuant to these amendments and establish systems designed to prevent violations before they occur.
This Newsletter outlines three aspects of the amendments that are particularly important for companies to know: (I) the introduction of an administrative fine system, (II) new regulations concerning the handling of children’s personal information, and (III) new regulations concerning certain biometric data.
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