Abstract
Japan Personal Data Protection Act was established in May, 2003. After annexed new clauses such as “the obligation of personal data dealing sectors” and “the promotion of private body protection”, it is scheduled to be enforced in April, 2005.
As it urges that the ministries which manage “the project” should develop the guidelines for the “right” use of personal data, National Life Council issued the keynote on personal data protection based on its fundamental principle and future direction.
Under the ongoing sophisticated computerization, with considering the usefulness of personal data both in the public and private sectors, it aims to protect personal right and benefit including individuality, dignity, and property, which is expected to lead to the well-balanced data access.
While, it is not too much to say that medical services are built on the accumulation and use of personal health data. Besides, without doubt, “right” data access is the key for the improvement of public health and the development of science. Here, Personal Data Protection Act will be refocused from the view point of accelerating the right use of medical information.
