Privacy Mark

The Privacy Mark is a certification mark awarded to businesses in Japan that appropriately protect and manage personal information. This certification system is operated by the Japan Information Processing Development Corporation (JIPDEC) and certifies that a business has established a proper management system for personal information protection in accordance with relevant laws and guidelines.

Objectives of the Privacy Mark

  1. Promotion of Personal Information Protection:

    • Encourage businesses to handle personal information appropriately and recognize the importance of personal information protection.

  2. Enhancement of Consumer Trust:

    • By obtaining the Privacy Mark, businesses can demonstrate a high level of awareness and reliability regarding personal information protection to consumers and business partners.

  3. Strengthening of Corporate Competitiveness:

    • Efforts in personal information protection are recognized, enhancing the brand value and competitiveness of the business.

Criteria for Obtaining the Privacy Mark

To obtain the Privacy Mark, businesses must meet the following criteria:

  1. Establishment of a Personal Information Protection Management System:

    • Appoint a personal information protection manager and formulate a personal information protection policy.

  2. Appropriate Handling of Personal Information:

    • Establish and implement proper procedures for the collection, use, provision, storage, and disposal of personal information.

  3. Implementation of Safety Management Measures:

    • Take necessary safety management measures to prevent leakage, loss, or damage of personal information.

  4. Employee Education and Awareness:

    • Conduct education and training on personal information protection for all employees to raise awareness.

  5. Internal Audits and Improvements:

    • Regularly conduct internal audits on personal information protection and review and improve the management system as necessary.

Process for Obtaining the Privacy Mark

  1. Preparation:

    • Gather information for obtaining the certification, establish an internal system, and formulate a personal information protection policy.

  2. Internal Audit:

    • Conduct an internal audit to confirm that personal information protection efforts are being appropriately implemented.

  3. Preparation of Application Documents:

    • Prepare the necessary application documents and submit them to JIPDEC.

  4. Review:

    • JIPDEC conducts a document review and an on-site review. The review checks the establishment and implementation status of the personal information protection system.

  5. Certification:

    • Upon passing the review, the Privacy Mark is awarded, and the business can announce the certification.

  6. Periodic Renewal:

    • The Privacy Mark certification needs to be renewed periodically (usually every two years). Renewal requires undergoing the review process again.

Benefits of the Privacy Mark

  1. Gaining Customer Trust:

    • Obtaining the Privacy Mark enhances customer trust and expands business opportunities.

  2. Proof of Legal Compliance:

    • Demonstrates that the business manages personal information appropriately in accordance with relevant laws and guidelines.

  3. Enhancement of Corporate Credibility:

    • Increases trust from business partners and strengthens business relationships.

  4. Strengthening Internal Management:

    • Establishing a system for personal information protection strengthens internal management and reduces risks.

Summary

The Privacy Mark is a certification mark awarded to businesses in Japan that appropriately protect and manage personal information. To obtain the certification, businesses must meet criteria such as establishing a personal information protection management system, handling personal information appropriately, implementing safety management measures, conducting employee education, and performing internal audits. By obtaining the Privacy Mark, businesses can gain trust from customers and business partners, enhance corporate credibility, and strengthen internal management. The process for obtaining the certification includes preparation, internal audit, preparation of application documents, review, certification, and periodic renewal.