Executive Summary
Establishment of the Information Network Law Association Japan
[June], 2002
Incorporators' Committee on the Establishment of
Information Network Law Association Japan

Usage of an information network system, including the Internet, is expanding rapidly in every aspect of our society. It has become the "information network society." Legal subjects in the society include: electronic transactions, electronic signature, information privacy, net crime, intellectual property of digital contents, management of e-mail, consumer protection on the net, etc. They have, inter alia, following characteristics.

  • Global influence.
    Transactions in the society often occur beyond territorial borders in the real world.
  • Anonymity.
    Parties to the transactions in the society are often anonymous.
  • Automated transactions.
    Transactions are often entered into indirectly by computer programs rather than directly by hands of human beings.
  • Easy duplication.
    Duplication of digital contents on the net is made very easily and rapidly.
  • Easy censorship.
    Individuals are subject to the censorship by the government easily.
  • Cyber crime.
    Since individuals have obtained larger power to transmit information, they may cause huge troubles through, for example, computer virus.

In the information network society containing these characteristics, the relationship between individuals and the government might change. Even the concept or nature of the government (or the nation) itself might change.

To analyze and solve various problems occurred or to be occurred in the information network society we have determined to establish a new association, calling broadly people who are interested in those problems and who belong to various sectors such as academic institutions or universities, the government (legislative and executive branches), press, corporations and enterprises, and consumer groups.

The scope of our studies shall not be limited to interpretations of conventional laws. We will expand the scope to find desirable social systems and legislative policies in the information network society for its sound development. In addition, as the fundamental study for these our activities, we will make a research into a legal information system so that we can contribute to a sound information network society where legal information is open, accessible, and available to the people and all.

For the production of a better legal system it is necessary to disclose legal information and to share legislative know-hows. Under such an environment we need to conduct open discussions and propose constructive opinions. We wish through this Association to prepare some kind of supports for those who could contribute to the purposes and objects of this Association.

Professor Yasutaka Machimura
Nanzan University

Chair Person
Incorporatorsf Committee on the Establishment of
the Information Network Law Association Japan