APPI Compliance
Pandectes GDPR Compliance helps Shopify Stores comply with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) by scanning them and identifying the cookies and tracking technologies in use. The scan generates a report that classifies these technologies based on regulatory guidelines and provides options for updates to ensure compliance with APPI.
What is APPI?
The Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) is Japan’s national data protection legislation. It was first enacted in 2003 and came into effect in 2005. The APPI aims to protect the personal information of individuals by regulating the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data by organizations. It establishes principles such as obtaining consent for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, providing individuals with access to their personal information, and protecting personal information through appropriate security measures. The APPI applies to all organizations that handle personal information, including both public and private sector organizations. Under the APPI, organizations are required to appoint a personal information protection manager, to take necessary measures for personal information protection, to establish a personal information protection management system, and to report to the Personal Information Protection Commission when a data breach occurs.
Who does the APPI apply to?
The APPI applies to personal information that is collected, used, or disclosed within Japan, as well as personal information that is transferred from Japan to other countries.
What happens if I don't comply with the APPI?
Failing to comply with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) can result in various penalties and enforcement actions. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC), which is responsible for enforcing the APPI, has the power to impose administrative fines for non-compliance. The fines can be up to JPY 1,000,000 (around 9,300 USD).
In addition to fines, the PPC can also impose other penalties, such as ordering companies to stop processing personal data, requiring companies to rectify non-compliance, and issuing reprimands. The PPC can also issue improvement orders or suspension of business orders to organizations that fail to comply with the APPI.
In some cases, non-compliance with the APPI can also result in legal action being taken against a company by individuals whose personal data has been affected.
It’s important to note that APPI compliance is not only about avoiding fines and penalties, but also about protecting people’s personal information and respecting their rights.
When will the APPI go into effect?
The Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) was first enacted in 2003 and came into effect in April 1st, 2005. However, it was amended in 2015, and the amendment to the APPI came into effect in May 30th, 2017.