Japan: According to a recommendation announced on Tuesday by a key panel, Japan will consider imposing stricter restrictions on enterprises in security-sensitive industries that purchase software from outside the country as part of efforts to ratchet up counter-cyberattack measures.
The measure would be part of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's commitment to protect Japan's economic security, primarily against China, by avoiding sensitive technology breaches and constructing more resilient supply networks, among other things.
The group proposed legislation that would empower the government to require corporations to provide early notice when updating software or acquiring new equipment, as well as vet purchases that potentially expose Japan to cyberattacks. According to the plan, the law would target corporations in important national security industries such as energy, water supply, information technology, banking, and transportation.
"In today's world, practically every field of economic activity, particularly those involving essential infrastructure, is a target of cyberattacks," the panel noted, explaining why new laws is needed. "It's critical to ensure that any regulation does not impose undue restrictions on economic activities," the report stated.
The academic panel's suggestion will serve as the foundation for legislation that the government will present to parliament later this month.
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