Gov't OKs bill to allow police to remotely access crime ring phones
Japan’s cabinet approved a bill on Friday that would allow police to remotely access smartphones used by members of criminal groups. The proposal aims to help authorities detect planned robberies and scams organized through encrypted messaging apps such as Signal and Telegram. Because these messages can only be read on the devices used to send and receive them, police have found it difficult to discover criminal plans early enough to prevent crimes.
Under the proposed bill, police would need to obtain a warrant from a judge before accessing a smartphone over the internet and copying its data. The information could help officers identify potential victims, including their names and addresses, and learn when crimes are being planned. Police could then take preventive measures, such as patrolling near victims’ homes and warning them to stay alert. National Public Safety Commission Chairman Yasuhiro Hanashi said that remote analysis should be introduced as soon as possible to help ensure public safety and security.
The proposed law would include rules to protect privacy and ensure proper procedures. Only specialist officers appointed by the National Police Agency’s commissioner general could examine the data, and police would delete information not covered by the warrant. People whose smartphones were examined would be notified afterward. Public safety commissions would also review every case to check whether the rules were followed. An expert panel began discussing the method in August and completed its recommendations in September.
Edited using generative AI tools.
Source: https://japantoday.com/category/crime/update1-japan-gov't-oks-bill-to-allow-police-to-remotely-access-crime-ring-phones
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