Issue #9: Regulating Big Tech in Japan
Featuring an exclusive interview with Kohei Kurihara, President of the Tokyo Chapter at the Government Blockchain Association
Konnichiwa! I'm Alessandro, and this is TÉKUNI, a newsletter about technology in Japan. Here you can find the archive of past issues. If you’d like to support this project, you can buy me a virtual coffee here ☕.
Japan Quick Tech Update
Spring is slowly approaching, which, for Japan, means warmer temperatures and the advent of the iconic cherry blossoms. I still remember seeing the Sakura in Tokyo in 2017, what an incredible experience.
In more tech-related news, Japan's largest home-builder Daiwa House Industry has recently announced a massive project near Tokyo that will see the construction of large-scale data centres.
Of course, the approaching of summer also means more Olympics uncertainty, and the organisers of Games recently admitted that the event could be held without spectators.
February also saw Japan experience a powerful earthquake on its northeastern cost, and airlines and bus operators have been trying to limit disruptions by increasing services in the area after a railway artery was severed by the quake.
Finally, Japan introduced a new e-commerce law to increase scrutiny of possible antitrust activity by big tech names.
This issue of TÉKUNI is about these new directives, and more broadly the state of regulation of tech giants in Japan.
👨💻 TÉKUNI Exclusive - Kohei Kurihara
Kohei Kurihara is the President of the Tokyo Chapter at the Government Blockchain Association, an organisation supporting the local community to develop basic literacy related to block-chain technologies in public sectors.
Kohei has been working as a marketer and in business development for some years, establishing his first company in 2014.
In 2020, he also co-founded Privacy by Design Lab, a not-for-profit focusing on using cutting edge technologies to grow global privacy awareness.
"My role mostly relates to the development of relationships between private companies who work with block-chain technologies and Japanese policymakers and public institutions,” he explains.
When asked why he thought privacy was so important for companies, Kohei said the realisation came to him three years ago.
“I was invited by UNESCO in 2019, and discussed several topics related to social inclusion with technology there.”
It was then that Kohei realised that most individuals and companies are not aware of the actual power of technology, and that stops them from using it effectively.
“Unless it is used properly, it won't benefit society and the global markets.”
Discussing the advantages of block-chain, Kohei describes data as the essential building block of Internet society, and because of it, he believes data needs a decentralised operating ecosystem and a related safety mechanism.
“Blockchain is not perfect, but represents one potential alternative to the development of Internet trust as opposed to the centralised operations of big tech.”
Describing the regulation of technology giants in Japan, Kohei says that, compared to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Japanese privacy regulations are rather lax, and their infringement is not met with harsh sanctions.
However, on February 1st, Japan increased scrutiny of possible antitrust activity by big tech names with legislation requiring disclosure of various information.
According to Kohei, the new regulations released by Privacy Commissioner will be more similar to European laws.
“I assume companies will be now required to show more transparency and fairness in their business activity, including the disclosure of explanatory algorithms and a more responsive liability for customer requests.”
Still, Kohei adds, it is still uncertain how tough the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will be in the enforcement of the new regulations.
“On the other hand, it will surely push digital platforms to comply more with Japanese regulation and increase their accountability.”
Moving forward, Kohei says he is expecting some guidelines and additional announcements from the Privacy Commission soon, to help Privacy by Design Lab prepare better to help private and public sectors companies.
The recent establishment of the new consulting firm comes at a perfect time, Kohei explains, as the company will now be able to help firms make the most out of the new regulations, while also safeguarding their privacy.
“It is a huge move for us, and we’ll make sure to push the Privacy Commission. We hope this new transition will allow the protection of personal data and enable the safe use of technology for user benefit.”
According to Kohei, the new laws represent a small step to regulate internet business, but regulating big tech, particularly in regards to privacy, is still a relatively young practice in Japan.
“Looking at the future, we have to align with global entities to work towards more transparent and fair policies, in order to truly safeguard internet society.”
❓ Want to find out more about the latest tech news in Japan?
🔗 Here is the newsletter’s link section:
AI-based systems help diagnose cancer - NHK
Chiyoda devises tech to ship hydrogen at room temperature - Nikkei
Scientists to study source of high heat on asteroid - Associated Press
Tokyo Gov to give smartphones to senior citizens - Sora News 24
Get Covid-19 test kits from vending machines in Tokyo - TimeOut
Invite-only chat app Clubhouse booms in Japan - Japan Today
This cafe has robot waiters controlled by disabled workers - TimeOut
Fukuhara AI sets up firm to promote table tennis - NHK
teamLab Borderless in Tokyo is getting a fresh spring look - TimeOut
EU vaccine curbs may delay Japan's inoculation drive - Reuters
Osaka sends funeral service ads to people with Covid - Sora News 24
Netflix raises prices for Japanese customers - Reuters
Contact tracing apps haven’t been working for months - Sora News 24
Fewer people to get Pfizer vaccine due to syringe shortage - Kyodo
Toyota suspends work in nine factories due to quake - Reuters
Cooling the world's fastest supercomputer - The Mainichi
Another Tokyo arcade is closing down in Shinjuku - Sora News 24
Concerns mount on trace app for foreign Olympic fans - Kyodo
A look at Shiga Prefecture’s Samurai-themed vending machines - NHK
Here is the first rhythm pad controller for smartphones - Grape
One of Kyoto’s oldest temples, Daigoji, is going into space - TimeOut
Company develops “floating image” no-touch touch panels - Grape
Japan’s first 3D-printed house prototypes are here - Sora News 24
Enjoy early Sakura blooms with AR-enabled “Neo Hanami” - Grape
Toyota begins building smart city near Mt. Fuji - Kyodo
Tokyo Tower is getting a digital-art nighttime sauna - TimeOut
Japan to set guidelines for flying car tests by March 2022 - Kyodo
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