Driver's License Data Breaches Becoming Major Concern in Japan

Tokyo, Oct. 11 - A series of recent cyberattacks on Times Car, a vehicle-sharing service in Japan, have resulted in massive data breaches of driver's licenses, prompting widespread concern among citizens. Many are now rushing to obtain new licenses in order to protect their personal information from potential misuse. While the police acknowledge that reissuing licenses may offer only a limited defense against criminal activity, they are nonetheless urging financial institutions and other businesses to implement stringent identity verification procedures.

Furthermore, individuals are being advised to seek immediate consultation with the police if they suspect any fraud or abuse of their personal data. Image data on approximately 1.6 million individuals, including driver's license holders with their facial photos, is believed to have been leaked from the Times Car service, which is operated by a subsidiary of Park24 Co. Since the disclosure of the data breaches, police stations and driver's license centers across the nation have been inundated with requests for assistance with license renewals.