Personnel data of 22 Japan prefectural police forces may have leaked

The Japanese government has approved a bill granting police expanded remote analysis powers to investigate criminal groups known as tokuryu. These groups, formed by ringleaders using encrypted messaging apps to recruit one-time criminal participants, pose challenges to traditional investigative methods like stakeouts and wiretaps.

The new regulations would allow police to remotely hack phones and examine encrypted messaging app data, much like phone taps. However, investigators must obtain a warrant from a judge prior to conducting the hack, similar to wiretaps. Factors like urgency and the difficulty of obtaining information through alternate methods determine warrant approval.

The bill is specifically tailored for tokuryu members, allowing police to obtain relevant information such as member names, addresses, and specific crime details, which could potentially prevent crimes from occurring. The data deemed irrelevant to criminal activity would not be retained by the police. Once approved by the Japanese diet, the bill is expected to go into effect within the next six months.