Japan Enacts Law to Establish National Intelligence Council Amid Civil Liberties Concerns

Japan’s parliament enacted a law on Wednesday to establish a new National Intelligence Council to centralise information gathering in response to overseas threats, marking a first step in plans to boost capabilities that have raised concerns over civil liberties. The move, made possible by support from some opposition parties in the House of Councillors where the governing coalition lacks a majority, marks a significant first step in the government’s plans to expand Japan’s counter-espionage architecture through further legislation. The new law lacks provisions for parliament to monitor intelligence activities, leaving questions regarding democratic oversight unresolved. Speaking to reporters at her office, Takaichi maintained the new law will not raise risks to privacy, saying it will “establish the foundations of Japan’s intelligence capabilities” and strengthen the country’s ability to “protect public safety and the national interest”.