Japan Considers Giving Police Remote Access to Phones Used by Crime Groups

Japan is considering giving police the power to remotely access smartphones used by criminal groups, after a series of armed robberies involving recruits drawn in through social media.

A national police expert panel recommended the measure on Sept. 2. It would allow investigators to monitor communications in an effort to prevent crimes before they happen. The proposal reflects the changing way crime groups operate, with members often using smartphone applications to communicate.

The recommendation also raises concerns about privacy and Japan’s constitutional protection of the “secrecy of communications”. In recent cases, crime-ring leaders have allegedly issued instructions from overseas to people lured into carrying out robberies and scams.

The panel proposed limiting the information used in investigations to details directly related to possible crimes, such as when an offence might occur and how many perpetrators could be involved. Police would need court authorisation to analyse communications obtained through wiretapping, while the National Public Safety Commission would check for shortcomings in the system.

If approved, the surveillance method could allow police to patrol areas connected to suspected robbery plans or warn potential targets when a threat appears imminent.