Matatabi Report
Japan Tech News Digest

[JTND] Ministry of Justice Wants Writing Virus A Crime


[This news has only reported by NHK TV Morning News, a public TV
Station and there has not been a follow-up. I have not confirmed it
with other sources. It seems the ministry doesn't want to miss this
chance to push the law while people are obsessed with
terrorism. --Naoki]

Ministry of Justice plans to reform Penal Code and the related laws to
fight against Cyber Terrorism. According to NHK News, the proposed law
makes just writing virus a crime. Currently, distributing virus is not
considered as an offense unless there is actual damage to the computer
systems and networks. Also, there is a provision to order ISPs not to
erase logs when the police needs them for investigation. [It is not
clear from the broadcast if ISPs require to submit logs without any
subpoena or to keep logs until any subpoenas are obtained.]  The
ministry will refer the proposal to the legislation council later this
month.

NHK News(A video clip is available.)
http://www.nhk.or.jp/news/2003/03/04/k20030304000017.html

[key_security, key_politics]
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