Act on Protection of Personal Information (APPI)
View Law TextNeed Help with Act on Protection of Personal Information (APPI) Compliance?
Get expert guidance on implementing APPI requirements and ensuring ongoing compliance for your organization.
Get Expert HelpOverview
The Act on Protection of Personal Information (APPI) is Japan's comprehensive data protection law that regulates the handling of personal information by private businesses.
Key Facts
- Originally enacted in 2003, significant amendments in 2020
- Enforced by Personal Information Protection Commission
- Includes cross-border transfer restrictions
Key Principles
Proper Handling of Personal Information
Personal information must be handled properly and in accordance with the law.
Requirements
- Specify handling purposes
- Obtain necessary consent
- Ensure data accuracy
- Implement security measures
- Regular compliance checks
Examples
- Purpose specifications
- Consent mechanisms
- Data quality procedures
- Security controls
Transparency and Notice
Organizations must be transparent about their data handling practices.
Requirements
- Public privacy policies
- Clear handling notices
- Disclosure of third parties
- Regular policy updates
- Accessible information
Examples
- Privacy policies
- Handling notices
- Third-party lists
- Policy updates
Individual Rights
Protection of individual rights regarding their personal information.
Requirements
- Right to access
- Right to correction
- Right to deletion
- Right to cease provision
- Response procedures
Examples
- Access request forms
- Correction procedures
- Deletion processes
- Response tracking
Compliance Requirements
Data Handling Requirements
Requirements for handling personal information including sensitive data (要配慮個人情報).
Implementation Steps
- Identify personal data categories
- Implement handling procedures
- Obtain necessary consent
- Document processing purposes
- Regular compliance reviews
Required Documentation
- Data inventory
- Handling procedures
- Consent records
- Purpose documentation
- Review logs
Cross-Border Transfers
Requirements for transferring personal data outside Japan.
Implementation Steps
- Assess recipient country adequacy
- Implement transfer safeguards
- Obtain consent for transfers
- Document transfers
- Monitor compliance
Required Documentation
- Transfer assessments
- Safeguard documentation
- Consent records
- Transfer logs
- Monitoring reports
Security Control Measures
Implementation of necessary and appropriate security control measures.
Implementation Steps
- Conduct security assessments
- Implement security controls
- Train staff
- Regular security audits
- Incident response planning
Required Documentation
- Security policies
- Assessment reports
- Training records
- Audit logs
- Response plans
Enforcement & Penalties
Administrative Penalties
The Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) can impose administrative penalties for violations.
Penalty Categories
Example Cases
Corrective Measures
The PPC can issue various corrective orders and measures.