Japan's 'My Number' System Error: Foreign Resident Assigned Wrong National ID

A recent incident in Japan has highlighted significant flaws in the country's 'My Number' system, where a foreign resident in his 20s was mistakenly assigned the same national ID as a stranger with the same name and birthday, living in another city.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of Japan's 'My Number' system, which has implications for the country's administrative efficiency and data integrity. If left unaddressed, such errors could lead to further mistakes, compromising the system's reliability and public trust.

The error occurred in November when the foreign resident visited Tokushima City Hall in western Japan to register his residency status. City hall staff searched the national ID number registry and found a match with someone living in another city. Mistakenly, they assumed the resident was moving from one city to another and attached the existing residency details to the wrong person.

The mistake went undetected for six months until the national pension service noticed the discrepancy and informed the city in May 2024. The other person with the same ID had already left Japan, which delayed the discovery of the mistake.

Speaking minimal Japanese, the foreign resident's communication difficulties may have contributed to the misunderstanding. A Tokushima City official acknowledged the error, stating, 'We have learned that there is still room for error even when proper steps are taken.'

Japan's 'My Number' system, launched in 2015, was designed to provide a unique identification number to all residents for improved administrative efficiency and error reduction. However, this incident highlights the potential vulnerabilities of the system, particularly concerning human errors and data integrity.

The government has acknowledged the need for improvements in the system. A draft framework policy released in June 2023 noted that government agencies must collectively cooperate 'to ensure its safety and confidence in the system.', as outlined in the framework policy.

The 'My Number' system's potential for human error and data leaks has been a point of criticism since its inception. This incident raises questions about the system's reliability and the measures needed to prevent similar mistakes in the future.

To recap, the mistaken identity case involving a foreign resident in Japan highlights significant flaws in the 'My Number' system. The incident highlights the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities to maintain public trust and ensure the system's effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

• A foreign resident in Japan was mistakenly assigned the same national ID as a stranger with the same name and birthday.
• The error occurred due to human mistake and communication difficulties.
• The incident highlights vulnerabilities in Japan's 'My Number' system, launched in 2015.
• The government acknowledges the need for improvements to ensure the system's safety and confidence.
• The incident raises concerns about the system's reliability and potential for human error and data leaks.