Local governments across Japan began inputting data into a new nationwide central database on Aug. 5 Local governments across Japan began inputting data into a new nationwide central database on Aug. 5, despite complaints from several quarters. Some complaints, such as those from privacy advocates, were expected, but things really began to heat up when several local governments said they wouldn’t participate in the system until promised privacy laws were enacted.The new system assigns everyone in Japan an 11-digit identification number, which he will use to access local government services. It replaces a system based on hanko, or small personal stamps. When it was proposed in 1999, the government attempted to silence critics by promising a new data-privacy law to be enacted before the database went into operation. But that law got bogged down with additions and the system went online as planned, leaving some local authorities to lodge complaints. Two cities in TokyoSuginami and Kokubunji—refused to connect, and Japan’s second largest city, Yokohama, said it would enter citizens into the database only if they gave permission.To date, the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications (MPHPT), which is responsible for the system, hasn’t divulged any technical information. In fact the MPHPT has refused to divulge the location of the database center, although it admitted it is somewhere in central Tokyo.The privacy law is tied up in parliament, leaving the system in operation without legal protection against unauthorized use. -Martyn Williams, Tokyo correspondent for the IDG News Service Related content feature Top cybersecurity M&A deals for 2023 Fears of recession, rising interest rates, mass tech layoffs, and conservative spending trends are likely to make dealmakers cautious, but an ever-increasing need to defend against bigger and faster attacks will likely keep M&A activity steady in By CSO Staff Sep 22, 2023 24 mins Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions brandpost Unmasking ransomware threat clusters: Why it matters to defenders Similar patterns of behavior among ransomware treat groups can help security teams better understand and prepare for attacks By Joan Goodchild Sep 21, 2023 3 mins Cybercrime news analysis China’s offensive cyber operations support “soft power” agenda in Africa Researchers track Chinese cyber espionage intrusions targeting African industrial sectors. By Michael Hill Sep 21, 2023 5 mins Advanced Persistent Threats Cyberattacks Critical Infrastructure brandpost Proactive OT security requires visibility + prevention You cannot protect your operation by simply watching and waiting. It is essential to have a defense-in-depth approach. By Austen Byers Sep 21, 2023 4 mins Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe