In the last two to three years, there have been a number of significant pieces of legislation in Japan that have provided a strong legal framework for the growth of e-signatures for both personal and business use in Japan. Among these have been the Electronic Signature and Certification Business Act (\u96fb\u5b50\u7f72\u540d\u53ca\u3073\u8a8d\u8a3c\u696d\u52d9\u306b\u95a2\u3059\u308b\u6cd5\u5f8b) and the Electronic Bookkeeping Preservation Act, Revision of 2021\uff08\u96fb\u5b50\u5e33\u7c3f\u4fdd\u5b58\u6cd5\uff09. As businesses across Japan have begun to adopt e-signatures at scale, we are often asked about how to effectively manage KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements in Japan with MyNumber and how this national identity number will be integrated into our e-signature products and services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those outside of Japan or anyone recently moving to the country, it\u2019s important to understand what MyNumber is. Similar to the U.S.A.\u2019s social security number or the UK\u2019s National Insurance Number, MyNumber in Japan is a unique 12-digit number given to every Japanese citizen as well as residents in Japan. The system for MyNumber was introduced in 2016 and was implemented as part of a larger national effort to unify Japan\u2019s social security, taxation, and other administrative systems into one system, with a single identifying number for each resident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to issuing all citizens and residents with a national ID number, the Japanese government also issues a physical \u201cMyNumber Card\u201d to people who request them. Recognized as a legal document for identification purposes (similar to a driver\u2019s licence) the MyNumber Card is a plastic card with an embedded IC-chip that lists a holder\u2019s name, address, date of birth, sex, the 12-digit My Number (individual number), along with a photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the MyNumber system was introduced, the Japanese government was eager to promote the benefits of the new national ID system, including convenience in accessing e-governments services and reduced paperwork and interactions between residents and government bodies. The government was also keen to reassure sceptics that individual privacy would be respected; measures were put in place to protect personal information through encryption and multi-layered data security protocols as well as the implementation of strict laws governing the use of MyNumber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When accessing or using MyNumber, Japanese government agencies\u2019 access to the data is highly controlled, and there are penalties for unauthorized use or disclosure. The system is designed so that different government agencies cannot share data with each other without explicit authorization, reducing the risk of data breaches and misuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Japanese government plans to expand the use of the MyNumber system to integrate additional services, including linking it with bank accounts to streamline financial transactions and to provide a basis for more robust digital identity verification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early in 2025, SignTime will be deploying new features that will allow users to securely associate their MyNumber with their e-signature. Similar to the use of e-Seals<\/a> by companies, MyNumber data will be stored with our Qualified Trust Service Provider CyberTrust<\/a> and then associated with an individual user account. In this way, an e-signature can be linked with a user\u2019s MyNumber data to provide additional verification of the identity of the signatory. Identity verification historically required a mix of IDs, including drivers license, health insurance cards along with verification documents from a ward office proving legal residence. And if you\u2019re non-Japanese, the MyNumber card validity is in sync with your legal period of residence (like your resident visa).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to improved verification of identity, the MyNumber system will be integrated over the next few years into additional services in Japan, both government based and commercial. Things like car and home insurance contracts, where the insurer needs to verify the identity of the insured, will be easier to process on-line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other benefits like verification of remote workers, loan processing, new mobile phone contracts, online real estate purchase and lease contracts and simpler interactions with banking institutions will all be possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The MyNumber system is an essential part of Japan\u2019s national administrative infrastructure that aims to modernize and improve the efficiency of public services while maintaining strong safeguards for personal data privacy. Similarly, the use of MyNumber as a secure way to provide additional ID assurance for businesses and individuals for e-signatures, will continue to help build confidence in, and grow the adoption of e-signatures in Japan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":981,"parent":0,"template":"","blog_cat":[66],"blog_tag":[51,52],"class_list":["post-980","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog_cat-e-signature","blog_tag-e-signature","blog_tag-signtime-function"],"yoast_head":"\nAdditional Benefits for Users<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n