What is APPI?
The Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), Japan’s primary data protection law, was enacted in 2003 and took effect in 2005. APPI applies to all organizations processing personal information in Japan, covering both public and private sectors. Under the law, organizations must appoint a personal information protection manager, establish a management system, and report data breaches to the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC).
Where does the APPI apply to?
APPI applies to all organizations handling personal information in Japan, including public and private sectors. Organizations must appoint a personal information protection manager, implement a management system, and report data breaches to the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC).
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What Are the Possible Reasons for APPI Penalties?
Non-compliance with APPI can result in fines, corrective orders from the PPC, public disclosure of violations, business suspensions, and potential legal action from affected individuals. Compliance is crucial not only to avoid penalties but also to protect personal information and uphold privacy rights.
Who is Liable for APPI Penalties?
Any business that handles the personal information of individuals from Japan in any way, would be subject to APPI. The law covers not just citizens, but all people in Japan, which means anyone located in Japan at the time of collection has their personal information protected under APPI.
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What Are the APPI Penalties for
Non-Compliance?
Under the APPI, individuals can report violations to the PIPC, which will then ask the organization to fix the issue. If the organization fails to comply, further actions and penalties will follow. The PIPC can impose fines up to 100 million yen ($907,715) or criminal penalties of up to 1 year in prison. Additionally, Japanese citizens can sue organizations that violate their data rights.
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How Consentmo can help?
Cookie bar and Preferences popup
Generated Compliance pages
Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) logs
Automatic translations in multiple languages
Purpose and scope of data processing
Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain consent under the APPI (Act on the Protection of Personal Information) in Japan, clearly communicate the purpose of data processing, provide opt-in options, ensure informed and voluntary consent, and allow individuals to easily withdraw their consent at any time.
The GDPR applies to data controllers and processors, including businesses, public bodies, institutions, and non-profit organizations. In contrast, the APPI applies to 'personal information controllers' (PIC), defined as individuals or entities that manage personal information databases for business use.
To assure APPI compliance for your business, start by implementing clear data protection policies and procedures. One of the easiest ways to simplify compliance is by using a Consent Management Platform (CMP) like Consentmo, which is designed specifically for Shopify stores. Our app helps you manage cookie consent, data requests, and user rights, verifying your store meets APPI requirements without hassle.
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