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Outline and Objective
Outline
The PrivacyMark System is a system set up to accredidate private enterprises that take appropriate measures to protect personal information. Such private enterprises are granted the right to display the PrivacyMark in the course of their business activities. The PrivacyMark System is in compliance with Japan Industrial Standards (JIS Q 15001:2006 [Personal Information Protection Management System - Requirements]).
Objective
The “Act for Protection of computer Processed Personal Data Held by Administrative Organs” (Act No. 95 of 1988) was established as a personal information protection law in Japan; however laws targeting the private sector have not been established. Act No.95 of 1988 was revised on May 30, 2003 (Act No.58 of 2003).
Because network technology and information processing technology through the Internet have progressed, and personal information is being disclosed to networks and processed through computers in large volumes, protection of personal information by the private sector is also sought. Due to a demand for effective measures to protect personal information that can be implemented as soon as possible, and upon instruction from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (currently the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), the Japan Information Processing Development Corporation(JIPDEC) established a PrivacyMark system and started its operation from April 1, 1998.
The PrivacyMark System accredidates private enterprises that maintain systems for the appropriate handling of personal information, and certifies the right to use the PrivacyMark for those who meet certain standards. The PrivacyMark System has the following objectives:
- Enhance consumer consciousness toward personal information protection with the display of the privacy mark visible to the eyes of consumers
- By promoting the appropriate handling of personal information, respond to heightened awareness toward the protection of personal information of consumers, and bestow incentives to gain social credibility on business operators
On May 30, 2003, the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (Act No. 57 of 2003), which covers private private enterprises , was enacted and announced. On April 1, 2005, it began general enforcement. All private business enterprises handling personal information are required to conform to this law.
The accreditation of PrivacyMark System requires third-party organizations to objectively evaluate the compliance of private enterprises with all relevant laws and regulations, including JIS Q 15001, and is an effective tool that allows private enterprises to demonstrate that they are in compliance with the law and that they have voluntarily established a personal information protection management system with a high level of protection.