JapanObligation to ensure data accuracy?
Under Japan's Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), businesses must ensure personal data is accurate and up-to-date to the extent necessary for its intended use.
What the Law Says
Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) imposes a clear duty on business operators to maintain the accuracy and completeness of personal data they handle.
Section 19 of the APPI states that a business operator 'shall strive to keep accurate and up-to-date the personal data under its management, to the extent necessary for achieving the purpose of use.' This is not merely aspirational: it is an active obligation tied to the purpose for which the data was collected.
The law requires business operators to take 'necessary and proper measures' to prevent unauthorized access, loss, destruction, or alteration of personal data — which includes ensuring data remains accurate throughout its lifecycle.
If inaccurate data is discovered, the operator must promptly correct, add, or delete it. Where third parties are involved (e.g., data shared with partners), the operator must also request correction from those parties if needed.
Statutory TextA business operator shall strive to keep accurate and up-to-date the personal data under its management, to the extent necessary for achieving the purpose of use.
— Act on the Protection of Personal Information, s. 19 — Obligation to Keep Personal Data Accurate and Up-to-Date
What to Do
Review all personal data you hold to confirm accuracy against original sources or latest verified information.
Establish internal procedures to update data regularly — especially for contact details, employment status, or health information.
Document corrections made and retain records for at least three years, as required under APPI enforcement guidelines.
Notify affected individuals without delay if inaccurate data has been disclosed to them or third parties.
Report serious breaches involving inaccuracy-related harm to the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) within 30 days.
Sources
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US-CaliforniaNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.