On the 28th, a Cabinet committee in the House of Representatives asked questions regarding a bill to create a "security clearance" system that would limit access to information important to economic security to those whose credibility has been verified by the government. It was done.
Under the security clearance system, information that, if leaked, could pose a threat to Japan's national security is designated as "important economic security information," and access to this information is restricted by the government, including to employees of private companies. This is limited to those who have confirmed.
Five experts were questioned on the 28th at the Cabinet Committee of the House of Representatives, which is deliberating a bill to create the system.
Of these
, Atsushi Osawa, a special researcher at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, said, ``We are now returning to the harsh era of intense conflict over security and competing to protect and steal information.We are mobilizing all four areas: diplomacy, intelligence, military, and economy.'' "In the face of competition, even private companies are required to be careful in handling important information. The security clearance system is a necessity of the times."
On the other hand,
Hiroshi Saito, vice president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (Japan Federation of Bar Associations), said, ``It is unclear what kind of secret information will be designated as important information for economic security, and the public's right to know may be restricted.'' ``The scope of punishment for leaking information should also be clarified.''
Furthermore, regarding national surveys to confirm trustworthiness, he expressed concern that in the case of small and medium-sized enterprises with few employees, there may be fewer job opportunities for those whose trustworthiness is not recognized, which could lead to dismissal. .