Japan must draw up regulations, says outside group, if it plans to use telecom networks for active cyber defense, panel of experts says

A panel of active cyber defense experts said the government should set up procedures and regulations if it plans to use telecommunications networks to detect potential attacks, and establish an external organization to monitor the process.

The government released a 14-page summary of the panel’s first meeting on Thursday.

Because the public has a constitutional right to communications privacy, some on the panel said the government should specify exactly what data is needed for cyber defense.

It was also pointed out that the government would have to bear the costs for telecom operators to make communications data available for active cyber defense.

The panel also suggested prioritizing key infrastructures, such as those supporting the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military in Japan, for protection against cyberattacks.