Derived from the renowned multi-volume International Encyclopaedia of Laws, this practical guide to information technology law – the law affecting information and communication technology (ICT) – in Japan covers every aspect of the subject, including the regulation of digital markets, intellectual property rights in the digital context, relevant competition rules, drafting and negotiating ICT-related contracts, electronic transactions, and cybercrime. Lawyers who handle transnational matters will appreciate the detailed explanation of specific characteristics of practice and procedure.

Following a general introduction, the monograph assembles its information and guidance in six main areas of practice: (1) the regulatory framework of digital markets, including legal aspects of standardization, international private law applied to the online context, telecommunications law, regulation of audio-visual services and online commercial platforms; (2) online public services including e-government, e-health and online voting; (3) contract law with regard to software, hardware, networks and related services, with special attention to case law in this area, rules with regard to electronic evidence, regulation of electronic signatures, online financial services and electronic commerce; (4) software protection, legal protection of databases or chips, and other intellectual property matters; (5) the legal framework regarding cybersecurity and (6) the application of criminal procedure and substantive criminal law in the area of cybercrime.

Its succinct yet scholarly nature, as well as the practical quality of the information it provides, make this monograph a valuable time-saving tool for business and legal professionals alike. Lawyers representing parties with interests in Japan will welcome this very useful guide, and academics and researchers will appreciate its value in the study of comparative law in this relatively new and challenging field.

Derived from the renowned multi-volume International Encyclopaedia of Laws, this practical guide to privacy and data protection law in Japan covers every aspect of the subject, including the protection of private life as a fundamental – constitutional – right, the application of international and/or regional conventions protecting the right to privacy, privacy rights in the context of electronic communications or at the workplace, and the protection of individuals regarding the processing of personal data relating to them.

Following a general introduction about the country, the monograph assembles its information and guidance in two parts: (1) protection of privacy, including national case law regarding the protection of this fundamental right, specific legislation on the confidentiality of interpersonal communications, and sector-specific rules regarding privacy protection, such as privacy rights of employees, patients, consumers or celebrities; (2) personal data protection, including not only general rules on data quality, legitimate processing, data retention, data subject rights, security and accountability, but also specific provisions regarding the processing of health data or other sensitive personal information, further processing for research purposes, exemptions for law enforcement or national security purposes, and rules regarding liabilities, sanctions and redress.