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Japan’s My Number System Suffers Data Leaks, Backlash
Japan’s government really wants you to get a My Number card. But a series of high-profile data leaks is cause for concern.
By Jay Allen
The Japanese government is pushing hard for universal acceptance of its new My Number system. But will a recent data leak and a growing chorus of objections slow it down?
What is My Number?
“My Number” is the folksy English name for Japan’s individual ID system. The goal is to unify government records for individuals across agencies. Up until now, Japan has relied on the family registry system (戸籍; koseki) as the source of truth for identities, which identifies individuals through multiple data points including birth date and family membership. Both Japanese citizens and foreign residents can obtain a My Number card.
I’ve written before about Japan’s struggles to shift to a national ID system. The current My Number system dates back to 2013 and was passed under the Abe Shinzo administration.
