Japan panel proposes remote police access to suspects' smartphone communications
( September 25, 2026, 03:35 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: An expert panel under Japan’s National Police Agency proposed Thursday allowing police to remotely access communications on suspects’ devices, including messages exchanged through encrypted apps, to help prevent fraud and other serious crimes. Because such access could infringe Japan's constitutional right to secrecy of communications, the panel called for judicial authorization and oversight, with access limited to devices used to communicate with accomplices or victims. The panel urged swift introduction of the measures, citing a sharp rise in harm caused by loosely organized criminal groups using messaging apps and the difficulty of identifying their ringleaders.The statements are attached (in Japanese). ...
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