Japan: Adopted Report on crime prevention and security about using a camera system with a face recognition function

On 14 March 2023, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) adopted the report Report on crime prevention and security about using a camera system with a face recognition function, outlining the data protection measures that apply to their use. The Report addresses the use of cameras based on facial recognition technology and security systems and provides information on their background, use and trends. Furthermore, the Report outlines the provisions of the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (PPI) that apply to the private sector when using face recognition technology for crime prevention and security. In particular, the Report states that entities using facial recognition technology are subject to the data protection, security measures and transparency obligations outlined in the PPI for processing biometric data and are required to respond to individuals' requests to access and correct the data.