Safe and Secure Internet Environment for Children in Japan

21 Feb 2014

Deputy Director,Telecommunications Consumer Policy Division

Telecommunications BureauMinistry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC),

Japan

Shunsuke Kamata

Legal Framework about Safe and Secure Internet for Children

a) Promoting filtering, etc. b) Improving ICT literacyInitiatives by the private sector (with Government

support)

GovernmentThe Headquarters for the Promotion of

Development and Support for Children and Young People

Basic plan(※The second basic plan was determined on July

2012)-Provision against newly-appearing machinery like smart phones.-Promote dissemination of information to parents.-Promote collaboration among the national government, local government, and private sector.

Mobile phone carriers

Internet service

providers

PC makersFiltering

developers/suppliers

Server administrators

Other parties concerned

Private sectorMandatory supply of

filtering services (with some conditions)

Obligation to make efforts to prevent

browsing of harmful information

Obligation to make efforts for education,

etc.

Young people

Support

Formulation

Fundamental principles

Obligation to make efforts for

development

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◆ Act on Development of Internet Environment for Children was enforced on April, 2009.

◆ Under the 2 fundamental principles of a) promoting use of filtering services and 　　　　 b) improving ICT literacy, both the government and the private sector are undertaking various initiatives.

◆ Because the number of children using smartphone are rapidly increasing in Japan, we need to develop safe and secure internet environment for children to use smartphones and SNS, regarding;

a) Illegal/harmful information b) Inadequate use for Internet

Issues about children to use safe and secure internet3

a) Illegal/harmful information

b) Inadequate use for Internet

① 　 Overcharge

② 　Ｉｎｔｅｒｎｅｔ　Ａｄ d ｉｃｔｉｏｎ

③ 　 Bull ｙ ing on Websites④ 　 Spam posting on SNS

✔ Setting upper limit of the charge of SNS services for children users　　 eg. ～ 15yrs 　　 5,000yen( 500€)≒　　　　 ～ 18yrs 　　 10,000yen( 1,000€)≒

○ 　 browse illegal/harmful information

　→　 Children become the victim of the crime

✔ Diffusion of filtering services ✔ Certification by the independent

organization ✔ Voluntary 　 measures by SNS companies

✔ Distribution of awareness-raising activities for Children with parents, teachers, local authorities, telecommunications career, etc.

Main initiatives by MIC

b) ImprovingICT literacy

a) Promoting improvement and diffusion

of filtering services

○ 　 Well informed about smartphones.

○ 　 Visualize the literacy of the youths and make indicators of it.

○ 　 Further information on the current situation of filtering on smartphones

○ 　 An environment where users can use filtering of smartphones at the same quality as of feature phones

Main issues

Create internationally coherent indicators of

literacy

Through cooperation between the public and

private, promote awareness-raising

activities

Support voluntary efforts of private sectors toward improvement of filtering

services.

Provide users with further information at the time of

contract/sale.

Course of actionPurposes

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◆For the purpose of a) Promoting improvement and diffusion of filtering services, b) Improving ICT literacy, 　 MIC encourages cooperation between the public and private sectors about the use of smartphones.

Filtering services in Japan

Websites

Applicaitons

E-mail

illegaldrug

suicidemeet-a-mate

violenceporno

back informationsecurity

Web translationcommunication

GambleAlcohol

For Adult……

Shoppingprize

hobby

Websites and applications which are

certified by the Independent

organization (EMA)

Websites and applications which are allowed to be shown

individually by parents

Use the Internet Filtering as Black-list

BlockedShow

n

Classify websites and applications into categories

Shown

Be able to browse the websites and applications which are classified into ‘Blocked’ categories, if below.

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◆ Black-list filtering services are provided in Japan to minimize blocked websites and applications.

１． Literacy for addressing illegal and harmful content risks on the Internet　ａ． They can understand illegal content and address the risks appropriately.　ｂ． They can understand harmful content and address the risks appropriately.

２． Literacy for communicating appropriately on the Internet　ａ． They can read information and communicate appropriately.　ｂ． They can understand the problems of e-commerce and address the risks appropriately.　ｃ． They can use the Internet with consideration for the fee and the time.

３． Literacy for privacy protection and appropriate security measures　ａ． They can protect privacy.　ｂ． They can take security measures.

　

The number of area location Kinds of school The number of

people Average score

Total 11

　 Special ward, etc. 5　 Core city 　　　 9　 the others 　 　　　 10

　 National 　　　 　　 2　 Prefectural, etc. 　 15　 Private 　 　　　 7

　 Man 　 　 　2,041 　 Woman 1,420 (unclear 51)

　 　 Man 　 　 33.3 score　 　 Woman 　 34.6 score

total 　 24 total 　 3,512 Total 　 33.8 score （ out of 49 ）

　　　 Based on the risk classification on the OECD report about young people protection on the Internet, the ability of addressing risks and threats on the Internet was organized as follows.

　　 From 2012, for first grade of high school students all over the country, we have started the multiple-choice quiz that measures above- literacy for addressing online risks and knowledge. We had the second test this year. From June to July, 2013, the test was carried out for about 3,500 freshmen at public and private high schools.

【 The literacy that young people need for addressing online risks】

6Visualizing 　 children’s Literacy in safe and secure use of internet ✔ Classification of literacy that children need for addressing

online risks

✔ Operation overview of the Quiz and the questionnaire

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1. Categorization of Online Risks 　　　　Major Category Medium Category Sub-Category

IIllegal & Harmful Content Risks

AIllegal content

Copyrights, portrait rights, criminal threats, dating sites, etc.

BHarmful content

Content offensive to public order and morality, adults-only content, etc.

IIInappropriate Use Risks

AInappropriate Contact

Libel Anonymous SNS Non-anonymous SNS Spam Applications (*)

BImproper Transactions

Fraud, sale of improper products, etc.

CInappropriate Usage

Excess Internet use Over-Dependence

IIIPrivacy & Security Risks

APrivacy Risks

Leakage of private and/or personal information, inappropriate disclosure

BSecurity Risks

Impersonation through unauthorized access, etc. Viruses

Knowledge  Behaviour

Understand that not all users of non-anonymous sites have registered their real names.

Understand that non-anonymous sites carry greater privacy and personal information leakage risks than anonymous sites.

Understand the importance of carefully selecting the scope to which one reveals ones’ own information.

Set appropriate disclosure scopes of information.

When contacted by someone with whom you have no dealings in real life, such as a friend of a friend, respond carefully, and be aware the said contact may create problems.

Literacy to be required (examples)

What is the most appropriate action to take if you receive a message from a member of the same sex asking to meet on a real-name SNS where people with similar interests gather? 

(1) People sometimes falsify their identity even on real-name SNS sites, so I should consult with my parents and not make a decision by myself.

(2) Because the member has registered with a real name, I could meet them with confidence.

(3) Because the member is of the same sex, I could meet them with confidence.

(4) Because the member shares the same interests as myself, I want to ask them various things and I would definitely meet them.

Quiz (example)

7Categorization of Online Risks, Literacy to be required and Quiz

✔ Average score was improved in all classification compared with Year 2012. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Literacy for addressing the risks was totally improved.

　　・ Same as the Year 2012, literacy for addressing illegal information (1a.) and making consideration for the fee and the time (2c.) are relatively high.

　　・ Literacy for appropriate e-commerce (2b.) and security measures (3b.) are relatively low. 　　　　　　　　　　　　

General evaluation of the quiz output

50

60

70

80

69%

76%

68%

75%

57%

77%

68%

61%

平成 25年度

平成 24年度

Average score33.8 score/49

score 　(about

69%/100% ）

　 FY2013 FY2012

The number of people 3,512 2,464

General 69% 67%

1a:Illegal content risk 76% 75%

1b:Harmful content risk 68% 66%

2a:Inappropriate contact risk 75% 72%

2b:Improper transaction risk 57% 55%

2c:Inappropriate use risk 77% 75%

3a:Privacy risk 68% 66%

3b:Security risk 61% 59%

総合

1: 違法有害情報

2: 不適正利用

3:プライバシー・セキュリティ

58%60%62%64%66%68%70%72%74%

69%

72%

70%

64%

67%

71%

67%

63%

2012 2013

1:Illegal & Harmful Content Risks 1:Illegal & Harmful Content Risks

【 Large Classification】 【 Middle

Classification】

8

total

2:Inappropriate Use Risks

3:Privacy & Security Risks

3b: Security risk

General1a:Illegal content risk

1b:Harmful content risk

2a:Inappropriate contact risk

2b:Improper transaction risk

2c:Inappropriate use risk

3a:Privacy risk

2013

2012

Making the indicator; Internet Literacy indicator for Students(ILAS)

It is necessary to illumine weak spot continuously.

Most-used internet-connected device（ single answer ）

Possessed internet-connected devices（ multiple answers ）

✔ More than 99 ％ of children possess internet-connected devices.

✔ Smartphone possessors are increased largely (84%) compared with last FY(59 ％ ).

　 On the other hand, Cellular phone/PHS possessors decrease largely(39 ％→ 17 ％ )

✔ When connecting the Internet, young people who most use smart phone are increased largely(48 ％→ 75 ％ ).

✔ The use of cellular phone/PHS decrease largely(25 ％→ 6 ％ ).

携帯電話 /PHS

スマートフォン

タブレットPC

ノートPC

デスクトップPC

携帯ゲーム機

固定ゲーム機

非保有

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

17%

84%

12%

44%

23%

42%

32%

1%

39%

59%

6%

49%

24%

41%

29%

2%

平成 24年度

平成 25年度

携帯電話 /PHS

スマートフォン

タブレットPC

ノートPC

デスクトップPC

携帯ゲーム機

固定ゲーム機

非保有

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

6%

75%

2%

7%

4%

3%

2%

1%

25%

48%

1%

13%

7%

3%

2%

1%

平成 24年度

平成 25年度

Mobile Phone

Smartphone

Tablet PC

Note PC

Mobile Game

Console Game

Desktop PC

Do not have These devices

2013

2012

Mobile Phone

Smartphone

Tablet PC

Note PC

Desktop PC

Mobile Game

Console Game

Do not have These devices

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2013

2012

　 Current Situation of Internet-Connected Devices

✔ Mostly, average handling time is less than 30 minutes except smart phone. More than half(56%) of smart phone users use over two hours.

✔ The most device users who handle over two hours are decreased, on the other hand, those of smart phone users are increased largely.(47 ％ → 56％） .

【 Handling hours of different devices 】

【 The rate that handling hours is over 2 hours 】PHS

携帯電話

スマートフォン

タブレットPC

ノートPC

デスクトップPC

携帯ゲーム機

固定ゲーム機

0% 20% 40% 60%5%

17%

56%

14%

15%

17%

8%

8%

14%

31%

47%

13%

18%

19%

10%

11%

平成 24 年度

平成 25 年度

PHS 携帯電話 スマートフォン タブレットＰＣ ノートＰＣ デスクトップＰＣ 携帯ゲーム機 固定ゲーム機0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

5%17%

56%

14% 15% 17%8% 8%

15%

18%

31%

24% 23%23%

19% 19%

55%44%

9%

40% 41% 38%50% 48%

26% 21%3%

21% 21% 23% 23% 24%無回答

30分未満

30分～ 1 時間

2時間以上

Desktop PC Mobile Phone Smartphone Tablet PC Note PC Mobile Game Console Game

over 2hrs

30mins– 2hrs

less than 30mins

No Answer

Mobile Phone

Smartphone Tablet PC

Note PC

Desktop PC

Mobile Game

Console Game

2013

2012

10　 Analysis of ILAS; Utilization Situation of the Internet

・ The highest percentage of questions is young people which often uses .・ Especially, the percentage of questions that young people only possess smart phone is low.

総合 1: 違法有害情報 2:不適正利用 3:プライバシー・セキュリティ

50%

55%

60%

65%

70%

75%

80%

73%

76%

73%

69%69%

72%70%

64%

68%

72%

69%

64%66%

70%

67%

62%

PC

携帯電話 /PHS

スマートフォン

ゲーム機

The percentage of questions

General 1. Illegal and Harmful in-formation

2. Inappropriate use

3. Privacy and Security

（O

nly sm

artphone :64%）

（O

nly smart phone:67%）

（O

nly smartphone:66%）

（O

nly sm

artphone:58%）

Mobile Phone

Smartphone

Game

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　 Users can connect to the Internet with smart phone. On the other hand, it is important for users to improve literacy of smart phone, because they tend to use it without risk awareness and ability to address problems.

　 Analysis of ILAS; device of children’s use ◆ Children who mostly use smartphone have relatively lower literacy than those who mostly use other devices.

Analysis of output of the Quiz and the Questionnaire

Input to global action for construction of the literacy indicator

Utilization for awareness-raising activities in local areas

・　 Literacy for the improper transaction risks and security risks has been continuously low. 　

・　 84% of first grade high school students posses Smart phone.However, the current ability of them to react to online risks is relatively low.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　and more

utilize

utilize

Utilization of ILAS

・　 Awareness-raising activities that focus on lower literacy categories

・　 Expansion of activities by relevant parties such as teachers and PTAs recognizing the actual conditions and problems of children’s Internet use 　　

and more 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

・　 Referring to OECD Recommendation about Online child protection （ 2012.2.16 ） ,we sent an officer to OECD’s working party and had him make a report about ILAS in order to promote activities as OECD.

・　 Cotinue activities as OECD

Visualization of younger children or parent’s literacy

・　 Development of the literacy indicator for elementary and junior high school students (by JISPA)

・　 Development of the literacy indicator for parents and older people, and others.

utilize

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Local area

　　　　　

Professionals

Local government

ＰＴＡ s

Boards ofEducation

Schools

Guardians

Teachers

Japan Internet Safety Promotion

Association (JISPA)

Children, guardians, etc.

Consumer association Organizations

carrying out awareness-raisingactivities

Organizations,NPOs, professionals, etc.which actively carry out awareness-raising activities

Strengthening cooperationEncouraging the participation

Ministries and

agenciesCAO

MEXTMETI etc.

cooperation

Cooperative framework in local areas

MIC’s regional office MIC

The distribution of Aw

areness-raising activities

Coordinateseminar

Provide materials

Explanation at internak meetings such as PTAs

Relevant business operators(Carriers, ISPs, device makers, filtering developers,contents or application suppliers, OS providers)

・ Coordinate or support workshops, seminars, etc.・ Provide educational materials(e.g. pamphlet.)

13　 Constructing cooperative frameworks in local areas ◆ Relevant parties should cooperate widely and distribute awareness-raising activities to improve literacy in local area. MIC plays an central part in constructing that frameworks.

　 Private sectors activities; JISPA

　 JISPA is non-profit membership organization to develop a safer Internet for young people. It collects and publicizes information on the initiatives carried out by private-sector and local community organizations, providing a forum to share and develop ideas regarding the improvement of the Internet use environment. 　 This forum aims to promote all-around media literacy to empower young people to make full use of ICT and adults to better control such use for their well being. It also works to support the development and widespread adoption of a self-regulatory Charter on which private-sector companies and individuals using the Internet can base their activities to contribute to building a safe and secure network environment for all.　 Its current members include: NTT DOCOMO, KDDI, SoftBank Mobile, Fujitsu, Coca-Cola (Japan), McDonald's Company (Japan), Microsoft, Yahoo Japan, Google Japan, DeNA, GREE, Mixi, academia, the media and Parent-Teacher Association.In total 186 members ( full member:59, supporting member:35, special member: 92)

total 186 members

Japan Internet Safety Promotion Association

(JISPA)

EstablishedFebruary 27, 2009

<Chairman>Mr. Masao Takahashi

<Activity area>JAPAN

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◆ As private sector, JISPA (Japan Internet Safety Promotion Association) aims at

a) Cooperating with companies, government, academia to develop a Safe and Secure Internet Environment for children.

b) Holding a forum for parents and young people, to share and develop ideas regarding improvement, especially with PTAs.

　 Promotion of social media guidelines ◆ The use of social media among children spreads. However, because of the ease and convenience of social media, we easily send information about privacy such as what we do or where we stay, without thinking about the influence and risks. It may cause a crime or other Internet trouble.

◆ Even if we don’t intend to announce personal information, we may be identified by a combination of information registered with social media on Internet.

Source : NHK website

“The problem of Inappropriate picture posting take measures for junior and senior high school students " (NHK news) 　　　　 September 6, 2013The case has been increasing nationwide that a youth takes a picture in an inappropriate place like a showcase in a shop and post it on social media as a joke. It causes a problem. The number of companies and universities that devise original guidelines to prevent such a problem has been increasing, but in junior and senior high school such guidelines are seldom made. So, MIC has decided to encourage schools to devise guideline in case students use social media inappropriately.

We should let children recognize that socially unfavorable actions are not permitted on Internet, too.

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