EDITORIAL | To Stop Technology Leaks, Japan Needs an Anti-Spying Law
In the face of a Chinese national’s theft, Japan has no law to detect such technology leaks or other espionage and no full-fledged counterintelligence agency.
The unauthorized technology leaks could harm Japan's national interest by threatening its economic security. Moreover, the technology was leaked to China, whose technology thefts have been criticized by the international community. This crime is unforgivable. Such actions cannot be tolerated.
It is particularly alarming that this happened at an institution under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI).
This technology theft happened despite the obvious precautions against information leaks. For a public institution involved in national projects to commit such oversight shows that a sense of crisis is entirely lacking.
It is evident that there were deficiencies in AIST's personnel management and information security. Staff members should be reevaluated to ensure they are not under the influence of foreign governments. In order to prevent any recurrence, AIST must necessarily overhaul its risk management system.
Where the Stolen Data Went
Senior researcher Quan Hengdao is suspected of having sent fluorine compound-related research data to a Chinese chemical manufacturing company via e-mail in April 2018. About a week later, the company allegedly applied for a patent in China with similar content to this data.
Under China's National Intelligence Law, companies can be compelled to provide information. We hope that the investigative authorities will uncover the full extent of the incident, including how the leaked data was subsequently handled.
Legitimate Concerns
Sanae Takaichi, minister of state for economic affairs and security, addressed the incident at a ministerial round-table meeting. Specifically, she requested thorough supervision at the ministerial level of economic and security crises at universities and research institutes under the jurisdiction of government agencies.
The government has recently tightened regulations on information security. However, whether the regulations are being properly enforced is another matter. Information management must be re-examined, and systems strengthened, including in the private sector.
Classifying Information to Reduce Risks of Theft
The government is also considering introducing a "security clearance" system. This would limit the handling of classified information to qualified personnel in the public and private sectors. Under this system, only Japanese nationals who have passed background checks would be eligible.
In addition, designating certain information as state secrets would prevent foreign operatives like Quan from accessing them. This would also bolster information security. We also hope to see the swift realization of a comprehensive and well-designed system.
Japan currently has no law to detect espionage and no full-fledged counterintelligence agency. In order to prevent technology theft, it will be necessary to consider not only existing legal systems but also anti-espionage legislation.
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