How to file complaint with PPC?

Free
Filing fee
No deadline
Time limit
Online/mail/fax
Submission methods
Japanese only
Language required
The Short Answer

To file a complaint with the Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) in Japan, submit it online via the PPC’s official portal or by mail/fax using their designated form; no fee is required.

What the Law Says

The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) authorizes the PPC to receive and handle complaints regarding improper handling of personal information by businesses and organizations.

Under PIPA, individuals may file complaints with the PPC if they believe their personal information has been mishandled — for example, collected without consent, used beyond the stated purpose, or inadequately protected.

The PPC is mandated to investigate complaints and, where appropriate, issue recommendations, orders, or reports to improve compliance. It does not award compensation directly but may refer serious violations to prosecutors.

Complaints must be submitted in Japanese and include the complainant’s name, contact information, details of the incident, and supporting documents. Anonymous complaints are accepted but may limit the PPC’s ability to investigate.

Statutory Text

The Commission shall, upon receiving a complaint concerning the handling of personal information… take necessary measures, including investigation and advice.

— Act on the Protection of Personal Information, s. 79 — Measures Concerning Complaints
Statutory Text

Any person may file a complaint with the Commission regarding matters related to the handling of personal information.

— Act on the Protection of Personal Information, s. 78 — Right to File Complaints

What to Do

1

Visit the PPC’s official complaint portal at https://www.ppc.go.jp/en/consultation/complaint/

2

Download and complete the complaint form (available in Japanese only) or fill it out online.

3

Attach supporting documents (e.g., screenshots, correspondence, privacy policy excerpts).

4

Submit via online form, email, postal mail, or fax — no fee applies.

5

Wait for acknowledgment (within ~5 business days); the PPC aims to respond substantively within 30 days.

Sources

statuteAct on the Protection of Personal Information, s. 78 — Right to File ComplaintsstatuteAct on the Protection of Personal Information, s. 79 — Measures Concerning Complaints

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Not 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.