Japan to Share Cyber Threat Data with the United States
In a move to strengthen its cyber defenses, Japan plans to share data obtained from private telecommunications carriers with the United States. This initiative is part of a proposed active cyberdefense framework aimed at preventing attacks on the nation's critical infrastructure.
The policy, expected to be included in upcoming legislation, has already been communicated to the United States. The information sharing will be discussed further during a meeting between Japanese and U.S. foreign and defense ministers in Tokyo later this month.
Active cyberdefense involves government monitoring of computer networks, analyzing communications data provided by private companies, and even infiltrating attackers' computers to neutralize threats. By sharing information with the United States, Japan hopes to gain valuable insights into new cyberattacks and receive assistance in responding to them.
This decision comes in response to U.S. urging for Japan to adopt an active cyberdefense strategy. The move aligns with the National Security Strategy document released in 2022, which emphasizes enhanced information gathering and analysis in collaboration with allies.
A new law is proposed to require telecommunications carriers to release communications data. This law will ensure that the information collected is limited to metadata, excluding personal information. However, concerns remain regarding potential violations of privacy, surveillance, and data leaks.
Furthermore, sharing information with the United States raises questions about data sovereignty and the implications of managing information outside national borders. These issues require careful consideration before any data exchange takes place.