The following document is machine-translated. There may be inaccuracies. Please refer to the original Japanese document.

JCA-NET 2024 Annual Report and 2025 Activity Plan

1. Political and Social Conditions in Fiscal Year 2024 (April 2024 to March 2025) and JCA-NET Initiatives
1.1. From the Three Security and Defense Documents to the Cyber Espionage and Cyber Attack Law

In December 2022, the Kishida administration formulated a new security policy called the Three Security Documents. This policy represents a major shift from the traditional framework of pure defense, clearly stating that Japan will possess the capability to counterattack enemy bases and launch preemptive strikes, and in conjunction with these capabilities, “proactive cyber defense” was introduced. This can be seen as justifying preemptive strikes in cyber space.

Subsequently, in June 2024, a panel of experts was established to improve response capabilities in the field of cyber security, and concrete discussions began on the legalization of a national security system in cyber space. With the goal of “improving response capabilities in the field of cyber security to a level equal to or higher than that of major Western countries,” the government took the lead in rapidly considering legislation centered on strengthening information sharing between the public and private sectors, collecting communication data, and legalizing cyber attacks by the government. At the end of November 2024, recommendations for improving response capabilities in the field of cyber security were compiled.

In March 2025, the government submitted a bill that largely followed the recommendations of the expert panel, which was passed by both houses of the Diet in May.

This law strengthens the system for cooperation with private companies in gathering information and also allows for the gathering of information overseas without the permission of the country concerned. It is not necessary to notify or obtain permission from Internet users who may be subject to such information gathering, and the violation of the confidentiality of communications is clearly stated. At the same time, the law also legalizes preemptive strikes in cyber space on the premise that such information gathering will be carried out. The Police Duty Law and the Self-Defense Forces Law were also revised to greatly expand the authority of the police and the Self-Defense Forces in cyber space.

Thus, this law violated the human rights provisions of the Constitution by violating the privacy of communications and allowing information gathering without a warrant. The government campaigned on the seriousness of cyber attacks, stirring up public anxiety, and repeatedly argued that information gathering and preemptive strikes were the only way to defend critical infrastructure.

JCA-NET repeatedly issued statements criticizing the recommendations of the expert panel and the bill, and in collaboration with citizens' groups, held repeated rallies demanding the bill's withdrawal. It also conducted lobbying efforts targeting opposition parties, but no major opposition party was able to make the decision to withdraw the bill.

Through the campaign to have the bill withdrawn, we realized that special efforts were needed to promote understanding of cyber space. We held meetings in the Diet and online forums to discuss the bill's complex content in a frank and open manner. However, despite the danger that the government's intention to involve cyber space in war would make war a more realistic possibility, the threat of war was not fully understood.
Even in the anti-war and peace movements, JCA-NET was unable to raise awareness of the serious issues surrounding cyber space, such as its relationship to war and surveillance by governments, despite the fact that it is an essential part of our daily lives through smartphones and computers. (For specific JCA-NET initiatives, please refer to the “JCA-NET Activities” section.

1.2. The Gaza War and Big Tech's War Crimes

The war that Israel started against the Gaza Strip in response to the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israeli territory continues to this day, with no end in sight, and the situation can literally be described as genocide.

Israel's attack on Gaza has taken on an unprecedented form as a war in cyber space. First, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have been carried out using data on Gaza residents accumulated over many years, as well as real-time movement data, with the assistance of U.S. Big Tech companies such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, through their cloud and AI services, enabling the systematic targeting and killing of individuals. This represents a concrete example of cyber warfare directly linked to physical killings.
Second, it has become clear that social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have been used in information warfare. While posts criticizing Israel by Palestinian residents were suppressed or censored, posts inciting anti-Palestinian sentiment were allowed to spread unchecked. It has also been revealed that Big Tech companies intentionally manipulated the algorithms governing the posting and dissemination of such content.

In response to this situation, technical workers employed by U.S. Big Tech companies have also raised harsh criticisms and objections against their employers for complicity in Israel's genocide and apartheid. While companies have adopted a hardline stance, including layoffs, individuals have joined forces with affected workers to build global solidarity and support, leading to the current situation. JCA-NET has also expressed its support through joint international statements.

The presence of human rights organizations supporting Palestinians, who are a minority within Israel, and condemning the genocide in Gaza from within Israel is significant. APC member organization 7amleh - Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media, which is affiliated with JCA-NET, published a report in September 1994 titled “Palestinians' Digital Rights, Genocide, and Big Tech Accountability,” detailing the realities of AI-driven warfare, censorship, the spread of misinformation, and internet shutdowns. JCA-NET translated and published this report in Japanese.

Additionally, as part of its independent initiatives, JCA-NET has been hosting monthly online screenings of the French film “Gaza Since October 7.” (For more details on JCA-NET's activities, please refer to the “JCA-NET Activities” section.)

1.3. Frequent Internet Disruptions and Restrictions

In regions of the Global South, governments have increasingly restricted or disrupted access to the internet as political stability wanes or elections approach. This trend continued in 2024. As a member of the international network #KeepItOn, which fights against internet shutdowns, JCA-NET has signed international protest statements against such measures as a supporting organization.

Regarding the military regime's communication shutdown in Myanmar, JCA-NET signed an international joint statement, sent a statement to KDDI, which operates communication services, demanding it not participate in the shutdown, and also notified the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the statement.

In South Korea, during the declaration of martial law by former President Yoon Suk-yeol in December 2024 (which was lifted after about six hours), it was revealed that numerous acts of speech suppression were carried out in a short period of time, such as attempting to regulate emails sent to opposing lawmakers under the pretext of “text terrorism (email terrorism)” and an order to close the website of the Democratic Labor Union was issued, among other measures, revealing that a significant amount of speech suppression occurred in a short period of time. JCA-NET expressed solidarity with statements issued by progressive networks in South Korea and other organizations.
Additionally, suppression of human rights activists continues in countries such as China and Egypt, and we have made efforts to share information in Japanese, albeit insufficiently, regarding these situations as well. (For details on JCA-NET's initiatives, please refer to the “JCA-NET Activities” section.)

1.4. Are Western countries moving toward encryption regulation?

Even in countries that have emphasized the right to privacy in the 2024 fiscal year, efforts to weaken encryption have been active. The EU continues to debate the introduction of so-called “chat control” encryption regulations. In the UK, measures to weaken Apple's iCloud encryption based on the Investigatory Powers Act have led to litigation. Sweden and Brazil have also proposed bills to weaken encryption. In response to these developments, the Global Encryption Alliance, which includes privacy organizations from various countries and JCA-NET, has repeatedly expressed its opposition and criticism. Additionally, JCA-NET participated in the monthly seminar organized as part of Global Encryption Day, held annually on October 21.
The Japanese government signed the “International Statement on End-to-End Encryption and Public Safety” on October 11, 2020, alongside the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and India, proposing restrictions on the free use of encryption that cannot be decrypted by law enforcement agencies. The number of countries supporting this statement has increased over the past five years, and with the enactment of the Cyber Espionage and Cyber Attack Act, there is growing concern that this statement could be used as a pretext for amending domestic laws. (For details on JCA-NET's activities, please refer to the “JCA-NET Activities” section.)

1.5 Withdrawal from Big Tech services

During the Gaza War, the role of Big Tech in genocide and apartheid became known, and the blatant support of the Trump administration by US Big Tech in the US presidential election was also witnessed. However, on the other hand, there has been no significant change in the reality of dependence on Big Tech services.

Many internet users concerned about social issues are likely critical of Big Tech's political stance and involvement in war. However, to challenge the current situation where the shift to alternatives aligned with their values is not progressing, JCA-NET has repeatedly presented alternative options at monthly seminars. We have also conducted workshops with the specific goal of leaving Google. Nevertheless, these efforts have not yet gained enough momentum to bring about significant change.

1.6. The United Nations Cybercrime Convention

The United Nations has spent five years considering the establishment of an international convention on cybercrime. The convention was adopted at the UN General Assembly in December 2024. JCA-NET has repeatedly monitored developments at the UN and lobbied the Japanese government to oppose the adoption of the convention. The Japanese government has not yet taken steps to ratify the treaty, but it is necessary to closely monitor future developments and continue to urge the government not to ratify it.
Note
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/459

1.7. Developments surrounding the My Number Card

Omitted

2. JCA-NET Activities

2.1. Hosting or co-hosting gatherings, issuing statements independently, and other actions

2.1.1. Seven years since the forced vote on June 15: Gathering to reexamine conspiracy laws—No to a surveillance society!
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/365
June 15 (Sat) 6:30 PM – 8:45 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
⬛Venue: Bunkyo Citizens' Center, Room 2A

Co-hosted by: Conspiracy Law NO! Executive Committee / “Secrecy Law” Abolition Executive Committee
No to Constitutional Revision! Citizens' Liaison Committee / Japan Media Culture and Information Workers' Union Conference (MIC)
Conspiracy Law Countermeasure Defense Team/Secrecy Law Countermeasure Defense Team/Japan Consumer Federation/Constitution Conference ■Supporting Organizations/No Common ID Number! Network/JCA-NET/Yamato Citizens' Association for Peace/Objection to the Economic Security Law Campaign

2.1.2. Do not tolerate sexual violence by U.S. military personnel in Okinawa and the cover-up of information! Please join us at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/367
Participating as a calling organization.
Action report
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/369

2.1.3. JCA-NET Statement: We oppose the UN Cybercrime Convention
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/388
September 9, 2024
Please join us as a supporting organization. “Joint Statement: We oppose the UN Cybercrime Convention”
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/391
(Reference) (Human Rights Watch) EU member states should say “no” to the UN Cybercrime Convention
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/411

2.1.4. Consultation on leaving X (February 5, 2025: reservation required)
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/433

2.1.5. Protest Statement Against the Suppression of Flyers for the 9/11 Ibaraki Tree-Planting Festival
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/397

2.2. Cyber Espionage and Cyber Attack Bill-Related

2.2.1. (Joint Statement) We demand the withdrawal of the cyber espionage and cyber attack bills (cyber security-related bills) - Peace in cyber space, not cyber war
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/440

2.2.2. March 16 Symposium: Opposing the Internet Surveillance and Preemptive Cyber Attack Bill
Bunkyo Citizens' Center Room 3A
■Panelists
●Aoki Osamu (Journalist)
●Ogura Toshimaru (JCA-NET Board Member)
●Kaito Yuichi (Secret Protection Law Defense Team)

Calling Organizations (as of March 9)
“Abolish the State Secrets Protection Law!“ Executive Committee, ‘No to Conspiracy Crimes!’ Executive Committee,
“Stop the Constitutional Revision!” Citizens' Liaison Committee, “Objection to the Economic Security Law” Campaign,
“Religious Leaders for Peace” Network, ‘Feminist Democratic Club,”
“ND Deployment Opposition Network Kawasaki,’ ‘Aichi Group Opposing the State Secrets Law and Conspiracy Crimes,”
“State Secrets Protection Law Countermeasure Defense Team,’ ”Tokyo Regional Network,”

2.2.3. April 1 (Kanagawa) Study Session: Cyber Espionage and Cyber Attack Bill
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/448
■Explanation of the bill by Mr. Toshimaru Ogura
■Kanagawa Prefectural Citizens' Center Room 604

Hosted by JCA-NET / Kanagawa Action for Joint Action

2.2.4. April 2 and 3: Join the Emergency Parliamentary Action to Demand Thorough Debate on the Internet Surveillance and Cyber Preemptive Attack Bills!
■Call to Action
Committee for the Abolition of the State Secrets Protection Law
Committee Against Conspiracy Laws
No to Constitutional Revision! Citizens' Liaison Committee
Joint Action Against the Anti-Organized Crime Law and the Anti-Gang Law
JCA-NET and others

■Date and Time, Location
●April 2 (Wed) 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
In front of the Second Members' Building of the House of Representatives
●April 3 (Thu) 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Same
●April 4, if a vote is held, the action will continue.

2.2.5. April 15 Emergency In-House Assembly at the Senate and Discussion Meeting Aiming for the Repeal of Bills Related to Cyber Security (Active Cyber Defense, etc.)
Date and Time: April 15, 2025 (Tue) 4:30 PM (Entry passes will be distributed at the entrance from 4:00 PM)
Location: Senate Members' Building, Room B-102
Participation Fee: 500 yen*
Speakers: Ikeda Goroku (No Cooperation with War! No to War! Nerima Action), Toshimaru (JCA-NET), and others

Hosted by: Conspiracy Law NO! Executive Committee, JCA-NET

2.3. Seminar

2.3.1. April 2024
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/347
Seminar 1: April 20 (Sat) 3:00 PM - Law Enforcement Agencies' Collection of Computer Data - The Crisis of Privacy Rights Amid Criminal Procedure Law Reform
Seminar 2: April 26 (Fri) 7:00 PM How Emails Work (Beginner's Guide) — Reading Headers
Seminar 3: April 30 (Tue) 7:00 PM Follow-up

2.3.2. May 2024
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/356
Seminar 1: May 21 (Tue) 7:00 p.m. Keeping records of movements (from flyers and pamphlets to photos and videos)
Seminar 2: May 25 (Sat) 3:00 p.m. Breaking away from platform providers that contribute to war and genocide - What can we do? What should we do?
Seminar 3: May 29 (Wed) 7:00 p.m. Follow-up

2.3.3. June 2024
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/363
Seminar 1: June 17 (Mon) 7:00 PM Exploring collaborative work without using Google services
Seminar 2: June 23 (Sun) 3:00 PM AI and legal regulations
Seminar 3: June 28 (Fri) 7:00 PM Follow-up

2.3.4. July 2024
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/371
Seminar 1: July 22 (Mon) 7:00 PM Considering the transition to alternative social media platforms — Choosing between X (Twitter) and decentralized social media (Mastodon, etc.)
Seminar 2: July 27 (Sat) 3:00 PM Exploring the “mysteries” of cyber warfare — The Cyber Security Experts Conference and the government's intentions
Seminar 3: July 30 (Tue) 7:00 PM Follow-up

2.3.5. August 2024
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/380
Seminar 1: Tuesday, August 20, 7:00 p.m. How to switch from Big Tech commercial services: Overcoming obstacles
Seminar 2: Sunday, August 25, 3:00 p.m. The United Nations Cybercrime Convention: Global surveillance international law nears final deliberations
Seminar 3: Wednesday, August 28, 7:00 p.m. Follow-up

2.3.6. September 2024
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/383
Seminar 1: September 21 (Sat) 3:00 PM Government Intervention in the Internet Around the World
Seminar 2: September 27 (Fri) 7 PM: Breaking Free from Google with Open Source – Framasoft's Challenge
Seminar 3: September 30 (Mon) 7 PM: Follow-up

2.3.7. October 2024
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/403
1 Seminar 1: October 21 (Mon) 7:00 PM Resisting Government Efforts to Block Encryption
2 Seminar 2: October 26 (Sat) 3:00 PM Implementing Encryption Tools (Email, Social Media, Stored Data, Computer Devices)
3 Seminar 3: October 29 (Tue) 7:00 PM Follow-Up

2.3.8. November 2024
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/410
1 Seminar 1: November 19 (Tue) 7:00 PM The emerging AI search and AI chat—use it? Don’t use it? What should we do?
2 Seminar 2: November 23 (Sat) 3:00 PM The Gaza Genocide: Big Tech and Cyber Warfare
3 Seminar 3: November 27 (Wed) 7:00 PM Follow-up

2.3.9. December 2024
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/425
Seminar 1: December 17 (Tue) 7 PM Toward the Abolition of the My Number Insurance Card – Answering All Your Questions
Seminar 2: December 22 (Sun) 3 PM Let’s Make “Highly Secure Apps” Our Daily Communication Tool
Seminar 3: December 26 (Thu) 7 PM Follow-Up

2.3.10. January 2025
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/432
Seminar 1: January 22 (Wed) 7:00 PM Trying out pixelfed (Say goodbye to photo and video sharing on Meta!)
Seminar 2: January 25 (Sat) 3:00 PM Basics of Cyber Security Criticism
Seminar 3: January 28 (Tue) 7:00 PM Follow-up

2.3.11. February 2025
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/434
Seminar 1: February 18 (Tue) 7 PM Consultation on Leaving X — U.S. Social Media Under the Trump Administration and Our Choices
Seminar 2: Saturday, February 22, 3:00 p.m. “Access and detoxification,” Japanese espionage, and private sector involvement: Criticism of cyber security
Seminar 3: Tuesday, February 25, 7:00 p.m. Follow-up

2.3.12. March 2025
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/442
Seminar 1: March 22 (Sat) 3:00 PM Critique of the Cyber Espionage and Cyber Attack Bill — Active Cyber Defense and Cyber Warfare
Seminar 2: March 28 (Fri) 7:00 PM The Struggle Against Weakening Encryption Services — What Can We Do to Counteract?
Seminar 3: March 31 (Mon) 7:00 PM Follow-Up

2.4. International Solidarity

This section summarizes the joint statement in which JCA-NET participated.

2.4.1. (Joint Statement) Issues of Mass Surveillance and Weakening of Encryption Remain Unresolved at the EU Council
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/350
April 17, 2024
Forty-five civil society organizations and 26 experts have written this joint letter urging you not to agree with the EU Council's position on the “Regulation on the Protection of Children against Sexual Abuse,” which leaves many critical issues unresolved. The fundamental flaws in the European Commission's draft legislation and previous Council documents—including the severe threats posed by mass surveillance and the weakening of encryption—have not been addressed in the latest document from the Belgian Presidency.

2.4.2. Joint Statement: Telecommunications Cutoff in Sudan: Conflict Parties Must Cease Collective Punishment and Enable Access to Telecommunications to Save Lives
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/357
Amid the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, we, representing 94 humanitarian, civil society, and human rights organizations, as well as members of the #KeepItOn coalition, urgently call for the restoration of telecommunications infrastructure across Sudan.

2.4.3. (Letter to Google executives) Stop censorship and discrimination against Muslims, Arabs, and Palestinians
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/358
In April 2024, 50 Google employees were fired and nine were arrested for protesting Google's complicity in the Israeli genocide. In response, a movement has emerged to send letters to Google's management protesting the firings and demanding the reinstatement of the employees.
The campaign has already surpassed 50,000 signatures with a target of 100,000. In solidarity with JCA-NET's protest, we have sent the following letter to Google's management.

2.4.4. (Joint Statement by South Korean Civil Society Organizations) We strongly urge the South Korean government and other governments to establish robust international norms to protect citizens' safety and human rights from the risks of artificial intelligence.
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/362
JCA-NET shares the concerns expressed in the joint statement by Korean civil society organizations translated below. We will also continue to closely monitor the potential for AI policies, development, and use by the Japanese government and Japanese companies to infringe upon human rights, including the right to communication.

2.4.5. Joint Statement on the Dangers of the May 2024 EU Compromise on CSAM
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/364
The EU is also taking measures ahead of the rest of the world to prevent policies that could weaken encryption mechanisms. The information and communications policies of the EU and other countries have an important impact on Japan.

2.4.6.
#KeepItOn Bangladesh government must restore internet access and ensure connectivity during student protests
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/376
During the ongoing student protests across Bangladesh, publicly commit and guarantee that Bangladeshi people can freely access the internet, social media platforms, and other communication channels, and respect the rights of people as enshrined in the Bangladeshi Constitution and the country's international commitments. (JCA-NET is a member of the international network #KeepItOn, which opposes internet shutdowns.)

2.4.7. (International Joint Statement) Condemning Microsoft's Unjust Blocking of Skype and Email Accounts of Palestinians
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/377

2.4.8.
(International Joint Statement) The Mauritanian government imposed a 22-day internet shutdown and should commit to maintaining internet connectivity at all times #KeepItOn
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/378

2.4.9. (Joint Open Letter) The Kenyan government should cease attacks on the digital rights of demonstrators and ensure public safety and the rule of law
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/379

2.4.10. Open Letter on Technology-Enabled Political Violence in Venezuela
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/381
Urgently demand that the people of Venezuela be granted unrestricted access to the internet, social media, and other communication channels

2.4.11. Statement demanding an apology and compensation from the Japanese government in response to lawsuits filed by victims and families of Japanese military sexual violence in China
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/382
August 14, 2024
September 13, 2024

2.4.12. Alaa Abd El-Fattah should be released by the end of this month after completing his sentence
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/401
September 25, 2024
Egyptian-British writer and activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah should be released on September 29 (Sunday) after serving a five-year prison sentence in accordance with Egyptian law, according to a statement released today by over 20 Egyptian and international human rights organizations.

2.4.13. Joint Civil Society Statement on Interference with Communication Devices and the Resulting Humanitarian Crisis
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/402
September 23, 2024
Strongly condemning a series of malicious indiscriminate device explosions across Lebanon and Syria that killed at least 37 people, including two children, and injured 3,400 others.

2.4.14. Joint Statement by NGOs: “Ceasefire Now.”
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/404

2.4.15. Global Encryption Day 2024 Statement
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/407
October 20, 2024

2.4.16. #KeepItOn: Mozambican authorities must stop normalizing internet shutdowns during protests
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/416
November 7, 2024
Strongly demand an immediate halt to the increasing internet shutdowns amid ongoing protests and police repression of protesters in the country.

2.4.17. (International Joint Statement) Statement on the targeting and killing of journalists in Palestine and Lebanon
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/423

2.4.18. (Joint Statement) The Tanzanian government and internet service providers (ISPs) must ensure open and secure internet access until the 2024 local elections.
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/424
November 21, 2024
As Tanzanians head toward the 2024 local elections, we strongly urge the government to #KeepItOn [maintain internet connectivity].

2.4.19. (Joint Statement) South Korean President Yoon should resign, and the South Korean government must immediately cease its suppression of the media and violations of the right to know.
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/430
December 19, 2024

2.4.20. We call for support for the joint statement: “We stand in solidarity with the struggle for democracy and the resignation of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.”
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/431
January 2025
(Reference)
South Korea, Progressive Network Statement: Yoon Suk-yeol, who has destroyed human rights and democracy, must resign—the more critical the situation, the more preparation is needed for information rights and free communication
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/426
South Korea, Joint Statement by Organizations: Yoo Hee-rin, Chair of the National Intelligence Service Review Committee, must immediately resign for being unable to escape the delusion of martial law.
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/427
South Korea: National Intelligence Service Surveillance Network [Joint Commentary] The reasons behind the increase in communication surveillance by the Yoon Suk-yeol government's National Intelligence Service must be clarified.
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/438

2.4.21. (China) Web activist Ruan Xiaohuan sentenced to seven years in prison in second trial
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/429
We introduce the unjust verdict against Chinese blogger and activist Ruan Xiaohuan.
JCA-NET protests the guilty verdict against Ruan Xiaohuan and demands his immediate release.

2.4.22. #KeepItOn: Authorities should restore access in Goma and throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/435
Authorities reportedly blocked internet access in Goma city and its surrounding areas on January 23 in response to the approach of the anti-government group M23 to Goma city, the capital of North Kivu province. Additionally, social media platforms X and TikTok were reportedly blocked nationwide. We strongly urge the immediate cessation of internet restrictions in the eastern regions of the country, which are currently embroiled in ongoing conflict.

2.4.23. Joint letter on the UK government's use of the Investigatory Powers Act to target end-to-end encryption
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/436
February 13, 2025
109 civil society organizations, companies, and cybersecurity experts, including members of the Global Encryption Coalition, submitted a joint letter to UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper calling for the withdrawal of the UK Home Office's demand that Apple install a backdoor in its end-to-end encryption service.

2.4.24. Now is the time to take action for digital justice
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/439
Strongly condemn the crackdown on political and corporate authoritarianism on the internet. The unchecked power of the “Broligarchy”—a handful of Silicon Valley companies acting in lockstep with the current US administration—is a sign of a broader global threat to the rules-based system, human rights, peace, sustainable development, and ecological justice.

2.4.25. Joint Statement: Myanmar Military Regime Must Lift Internet Restrictions Amid Devastating Earthquake Disaster
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/450

2.4.26. Joint Letter on Sweden's Law on Electronic Information Preservation and Access
April 8, 2025
Joint Letter on Sweden's Law on Electronic Information Preservation and Access On April 8, 2025, 237 civil society organizations, companies, and cybersecurity experts, including members of the Global Encryption Alliance, of which JCA-NET is a member, submitted a joint letter to the Swedish Parliament urging it to reject a bill that would weaken encryption.

2.5. International Court of Justice Document Translation Project

2.5.1. Japanese translation of South Africa's submission to the International Court of Justice (December 28, 2023)
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/361

2.5.2. Full Translation of South Africa's Application for Amendment of Provisional Measures to the International Court of Justice on May 10, 2024
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/366
On December 28, 2024, South Africa submitted a petition to the International Court of Justice requesting an order for provisional measures, including a ceasefire, alleging that Israel's military invasion and attacks on Gaza since October 7 constitute violations of the Genocide Convention. The Japanese translation of this petition is now available for public release. PDF available.

2.6. JCA-NET Internet Services Related

JCA-NET's Response to Enhanced Email Authentication
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/352
April 17, 2024
In response to technical recommendations from the Citizens' Electronic Information Network (POEM), which manages JCA-NET services, we are reviewing measures to enhance email reliability.
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/352
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/351

2.7. Creation of the flyer “Join JCA-NET?”

We created a flyer to encourage participation in JCA-NET, which had been a pending issue, in April 2025.
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/462

3. APC Activities

3.1. (APC) Online violence against Palestinians is being allowed to continue unchecked, fueling genocidal violence and systematic discrimination
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/375

3.2. (APC) Policy Brief: Cybercrime and Gender
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/393

3.3. (APC) Condemning the weaponization of communication technologies against civilians in Palestine and Lebanon
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/405

3.4. (APC) What is encryption, and why is it key to human rights?
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/406

3.5. Document translation, etc.

3.5.1. (7amleh) Palestinian digital rights, genocide, and Big Tech accountability
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/398
The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media (7amleh), an APC member organization, has published a new report titled “Palestinian Digital Rights, Genocide, and Big Tech Accountability.”

3.5.2. Criticizing the UN Cybercrime Convention from a gender perspective (APC, Derechos Digitales)
https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/417

3.6. Digital Struggle and Resistance in the Myanmar Revolution

https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/422
October 29, 2024

3.7. Online Film Screening Event “From October 7th: Gaza”

Since last autumn, we have been holding monthly screenings. Starting in 2025, we have also begun hosting guest talks in addition to the screenings. In January, we had Ms. Aoe Tanawa as a guest speaker, in February, Ms. Aisa Seimatsu, and in March, Mr. Tetsu Ukai, who provided detailed explanations about the background of the situation in Gaza and Palestine.
Each online screening has attracted approximately 70–80 registrants (with actual attendees being about one-third of that number), and while the film itself is available on Vimeo, the number of registrants has not decreased significantly.
Concurrently, we have been working on creating subtitles for the film.

4. Draft Activity Plan for Fiscal Year 2025

4.1. Efforts to oppose cyber warfare in the anti-war and peace movement

4.1.1. Holding workshops on privacy and security
The draft activity plan for fiscal year 2024 clearly states that we will work to oppose the cyber espionage and cyber attack bill (at that time referred to as a revision of laws related to active cyber defense), and our efforts last fiscal year are described in the activity report in this document.
This year, our efforts will be based on the actual enactment of this bill. Organizations that have been campaigning against this bill have already proposed a campaign to repeal it and to request telecommunications carriers not to cooperate with the government. JCA-NET will cooperate with these activities as much as possible.
On the other hand, taking concrete measures regarding security and privacy at the individual and organizational levels is an area that only JCA-NET can address, so we would like to focus particularly on this point. In this area, various efforts are being explored, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) in the United States publishing a self-defense manual, and May First Movements, a member organization of the APC, promoting concrete measures to break away from dependence on big tech services.
JCA-NET would also like to promote specific activities to put into practice the basics of security and privacy. We have already announced a workshop to be held in June as a “Privacy and Security Measures Workshop (call for participating organizations).” https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/node/481

4.1.2. Cooperation with anti-war movements and provision of information
As in the previous fiscal year, the situation of war in cyber space is becoming increasingly serious in both Ukraine and Gaza, and we will continue to devote our efforts to anti-war and peace movements in cyber space as much as possible this fiscal year.
We will provide as many valuable documents from APC member organizations as possible in Japanese, and we will do our best to provide international support for the suppression of technical workers who take a stand against genocide by big tech companies and within their own companies.
In addition, with the changing nature of warfare, in which drones linked to AI and surveillance satellites are becoming the mainstay of air strikes and information warfare, such as internet censorship and the spread of hate speech, plays an important role, the importance of anti-war and peace movements in cyber space is growing. We would like to strengthen our efforts to raise awareness of cyber warfare among the broad grassroots movements against military bases and the revision of Article 9 of the Constitution.

4.2. Efforts against the surveillance society centered on the Internet

4.2.1. My Number/card and the surveillance society
In our activity policies for fiscal 2011 and 2012, we pointed out that My Number/card would become an important issue for the surveillance society in Japan and listed it as an issue requiring action, but sufficient action has not been taken.
This year will see the distribution of qualification certificates and the promotion of the opening of My Number Cards to the private sector. There is no doubt that My Number Cards are an important pillar of the major trend toward the digitization of government governance structures and the integration of public and private data infrastructure. As an organization whose main focus is the movement for the right to communication, JCA-NET will continue its efforts in this area. In particular, we would like to establish a system that will enable us to strengthen our cooperation with other citizen's groups that are mainly engaged in the movement against My Number Cards.

4.2.2. Efforts to combat encryption regulations
Every year, we participate in international joint statements and the Global Encryption Day event held every autumn to raise awareness of the importance of encryption. We will continue these efforts this year. As mentioned in the explanation of the situation at the beginning of this document, the international situation surrounding encryption is becoming increasingly severe, and governments and investigative agencies around the world are actively seeking to regulate encryption.

The Japanese government may also decide to introduce encryption regulations in line with these movements.

JCA-NET has addressed encryption-related topics at its annual seminars (see the section on seminars). However, there is little interest in encryption and a lack of understanding of it among Japanese citizens and social movements that use the Internet as a tool. This reflects the inadequacy of our activities. It is necessary to promote basic knowledge about encryption, security, and privacy, and to launch campaigns encouraging the use of encryption tools in opposition to encryption regulations. We will consider creating easy-to-understand pamphlets summarizing encryption issues as a prerequisite for launching such campaigns.

4.2.3. Anonymity and the Right to Privacy
Regarding issues surrounding anonymity, the 2024 proposal document cited the 2023 proposal document and stated the following:
Regarding anonymity, in Japan, where strict identity verification is required for internet access and mobile phone contracts, the general use of the internet is often insufficient to exercise the right to anonymity. For individuals in vulnerable positions, such as victims of domestic violence, whistleblowers within companies, and refugees being tracked by their own governments, anonymity and encryption are essential tools to enable free communication.

On the other hand, there is a deeply rooted belief that “if you have nothing to hide, you don't need anonymity.” We will work to build a culture of internet use that allows people to use these tools while appealing to the importance of the right to anonymity, through seminars, workshops, online campaigns, and movements against government regulation, in cooperation with relevant human rights organizations.
The 2012 proposal also stated the following.

The media and government repeatedly manipulate public perception to suggest that anonymity on the internet promotes human rights violations and crime. Stricter identity verification measures are also being implemented. However, the right to anonymity is equally important for human rights, and the imposition of real names or identity verification may instead lead to a surveillance society.

The importance of recognizing anonymity as a right is evident when considering situations where anonymity appears to exist but is threatened through big data analysis. This year, we will continue to raise awareness of the significance of anonymity.
We intend to continue this policy from last year. As a concrete measure, we will adopt this as a theme for our monthly seminars, as this is a feasible approach, and we aim to at least implement this initiative through the seminars.

4.2.4. Supporting the activities of members addressing various social issues
As stated in the 2024 agenda, unlike general organizations, JCA-NET's board of directors and general assembly decisions do not restrict the activities of JCA-NET members. On the other hand, the board of directors has an important mission to support members' online activities to the greatest extent possible.

JCA-NET provides various tools for information dissemination. In particular, mailing lists are the most actively used tool, as members can set up an unlimited number of lists within the basic service fee. Additionally, with the widespread adoption of online meetings during the pandemic, the use of Jitsi Meet has become established. On the other hand, setting up blogs requires some technical know-how, such as installing a CMS like WordPress, which can be challenging for some members, making support essential.

In the 2024 agenda, this point was pointed out, but no specific measures were proposed. This year, we would like to consider measures to support members in setting up their sites after installation by requesting POEM to install WordPress.

Although the promotion of NextCloud cloud services was included in the 2024 activity guidelines, no concrete steps were taken. Considering that NextCloud is now a widely used tool, it is necessary to enhance support systems to enable members to use it effectively. Many members are also unable to fully utilize email services due to unfamiliarity with webmail such as RoundCube. We would like to explore strategies to raise awareness of these services.

4.2.5. ICJ Translation
In 2023, we established a translation website for the case documents of the International Court of Justice's South Africa v. Israel case, and the project is ongoing. The initial complaint filed by South Africa and the ICJ's first provisional order have been translated, but many documents remain untranslated.

(Document) International Court of Justice: Genocide in Gaza (South Africa v. Israel) https://www.jca.apc.org/jca-net/ja/icj-southafrika-v-islael-document-jp
Translation work will continue this fiscal year as well.

4.2.6. Monthly screenings of the film “Gaza Since October 7” and subtitle creation
Regarding the film “Gaza Since October 7” produced in France, this year we aim to create subtitles for the sequel, which was released in France. The situation in Gaza remains extremely severe, and we will continue to hold monthly screenings as long as this situation persists.

4.2.7. Face-to-face discussion forum for small groups
This issue was raised as a challenge in the 2023 and 2024 proposals but was not implemented. This year, we aim to realize the workshop as a “Privacy and Security Measures Workshop” based on the lessons learned. We have already approached several organizations and groups about hosting the workshop, and there is a high likelihood of implementation.
We would like to establish a system to continue this activity as much as possible.

4.2.8. Remaining important issues
The following statement was included in last year's proposal document.
Issues such as labor, gender, the environment, and social minorities are all serious, and while there are many grassroots movements in various places, JCA-NET does not have the outreach to support these movements through its online activities. Although there are limitations to our capabilities, we would like to pursue this as much as possible within our means.

This issue was not addressed at all last year. The reason for this was mainly due to a lack of personnel to carry out JCA-NET activities. Although the situation is unlikely to change this year, we recognize the importance of this issue and will continue to address it as a priority, exploring possibilities for action.

4.3. Public Relations Efforts

4.3.1. Flyer Creation
As mentioned in the activity report, we were able to create flyers to promote membership in JCA-NET. Going forward, it will be necessary to hold information sessions on membership and update and revise the JCA-NET service manual.

In the future, we would like to continue to enhance our public relations efforts, including the creation of flyers, with a focus on privacy and security.

4.3.2. Video distribution
The 2024 policy includes the following statement regarding video distribution, which is currently limited to YouTube.

Peertube is considered a promising option for non-profit, decentralized video distribution. However, POEM would need to be commissioned to set up and maintain a server for Peertube.

It is necessary to consider whether sufficient financial resources can be secured to entrust this task on a stable basis. In this regard, in addition to membership fees, donations of approximately 200,000 yen have been collected in both 2022 and 2023, and if this can be considered a relatively stable source of funding, it may be possible to use it as seed money for setting up a Peertube instance. This will be a topic for discussion this year.

Currently, YouTube is the only option for distributing videos of citizen movements and social movements. This is an extremely unhealthy situation. Even if it cannot be considered a complete alternative, as long as there are other options that meet certain criteria, such as being non-profit, open source, and not collecting personal data for commercial purposes, we would like to pursue a system that allows us to provide this service as much as possible.

This issue remains a matter of concern. We have not yet begun any concrete efforts, including consultations with POEM. Even if we assume that some funding is available, it is unlikely that we will be able to provide continuous services. However, it is important to propose alternatives, so we will continue to pay attention to this issue.
4.4. Security measures for members' emails, etc.

We would like to carry over the following description from the 2024 agenda as this year's initiative.

Many members are aging and are not keeping up with the current state of the internet. Security measures are a particular concern. Impersonation and various types of malware are becoming more sophisticated every year, and there are actual cases of members becoming infected. It is necessary to continue efforts to provide the necessary know-how to defend against infection.

Specifically, it is necessary to continue actively utilizing monthly seminars, but we will also pursue the possibility of holding face-to-face seminars if necessary.

4.5. Other Important Activities

As a member organization of APC, we will continue to address gender imbalance as an issue that needs to be resolved.

5. Additions to the Rules

Handling of Personal Data of JCA-NET Members in Consignment Contracts (Draft)
POEM is a provider of telecommunications services in response to demand from JCA-NET members, but shall not enter into agreements with the government regarding the provision of communication data, etc. based on the Act on the Prevention of Damage Caused by Unauthorized Acts Against Important Electronic Computers and the Act on the Prevention of Damage Caused by Unauthorized Acts Against Important Electronic Computers and the Act on the Enforcement of Related Laws.

The personal data of JCA-NET members shall be managed by the JCA-NET Secretariat (entrusted to POEM) to the extent necessary for member support and accounting of membership fees, etc., and shall not be disclosed to third parties. Provision of such data to investigative agencies, etc. shall be limited to cases where a court order has been issued. Personal data shall not be disclosed in response to inquiries related to investigations other than court orders.

6. Election of Board Members and Auditors

The following individuals have nominated themselves for election as board members and auditors. Their election will be decided at the general meeting.

6.1. Introduction of Board Member Candidates
Toshimaru (Kogura Toshimaru)
I have served as a board member to date. With the enactment of the Cyber Espionage and Cyber Attack Law, I strongly feel the need to strengthen efforts to address privacy and security issues more than ever before. I believe that the cyber space is a difficult area for activists in civil and social movements to tackle, so I would like to devise ways to provide support and assistance. I would also like to continue our monthly seminars and other activities as we have done in the past.

Noriko Kyogoku
I am connected to JCA Net as a member of the steering committee of ATTAC Japan (Tokyo metropolitan area) and as a member of the National Federation of School Workers' Unions (Zen-Gakuro Ren).
Zen Gakuro Ren was founded with the slogan of opposing computer rationalization, critically examining computers and the internet as tools for monitoring, managing, and rationalizing their own labor and their workplace, “schools.” There are also issues related to children's computer use and data management. I have participated in activities such as the Computer Rationalization Study Group, which is centered on local government workers.

When the Internet was still referred to as “personal computer communications,” there were many negative opinions about the Internet, which had spread from military use, but there were also many discussions about how to use it as a tool for civil movements. I read Mr. Toshimaru's book around that time and thought about it! Looking back, it seems like an anachronistic discussion, but I think what I learned and thought about then is still relevant today. Nowadays, it is quite difficult to carry out a movement without using the Internet, but precisely because everyone uses it, we need to be more careful about how we use it. The issues addressed in JCA-NET seminars are essential for those involved in social movements, and I hope that we can raise awareness of these issues among even more people.

There are also many issues that cannot be overlooked today, such as transphobia and deepfakes on the Internet, which are attacks against sexual minorities and women, and I would like to address these issues as well. Thank you for your support.

Nasubi
Self-introduction/aspirations: I am involved in labor issues for exposed workers through the Network for Thinking about Exposed Workers. I have also served as a director of JCA-NET for several terms. With the enactment of the Economic Security Law and the Cyber Espionage and Cyber Attack Law, there is a growing need to prepare for the suppression of movements through the use of the Internet. I would like to work on these issues in my own small way.

Tadahisa Hamada
With the rapid advancement of AI and surveillance technology, the information environment has changed dramatically in recent years. We are facing risks such as the spread of generative AI, the collection of vast amounts of personal data, and the introduction of surveillance technology into social infrastructure.

At the same time, it is essential to utilize the power of information technology so that people involved in civic activities and social movements can freely disseminate information and engage in in-depth discussions. I believe that it is an important role of JCA-NET to identify both the positive and negative aspects of technology and to create an environment in which citizens can actively utilize it.

We will continue to work together with everyone to create a safe and free information environment and respond flexibly to new challenges.

Keiko Nakamori
As a board member of JCA-NET, I have spent two years feeling uncertain about how much I have been able to accomplish, but through my activities, I have come to realize that digital surveillance has become a part of our daily lives. With the passage of the Cyber Espionage and Cyber Attack Bill in the current session of the Diet, I believe that surveillance in cyber space will accelerate. In addition, the My Number system, which has undergone major changes over the past decade, has been revised in the current session of the Diet to accelerate digital surveillance. The digitization of the national management and surveillance system is also progressing.

While recognizing the convenience and dangers of social media, it has become indispensable to our activities. In light of this situation, I would like to spread awareness more widely about what citizens can do to use social media conveniently without allowing it to become a tool for surveillance.

6.2. Candidate for Auditor
Taro Yoshino
I have a strong interest in hate speech on social media and ICT-based weapons (such as Israel's use of beepers to blow up Hezbollah targets). I am involved in NPO information security, movements related to multicultural coexistence, and recently, support for the establishment of a museum by Koreans living in Japan. I have been an auditor for JCA-NET for some time. I hope to continue in this position in the next term and, even if only in a small way, support JCA-NET.

Date: June 22, 2025
Author: JCA-NET Board of Directors