Business Forum Held on "Trust Services for My Data Controlled by Consumers"

On November 22, the Nikkei Digital Business Forum "Trust Services for My Data Controlled by Consumers: Utilization and Value" (Hosted by: Nikkei Inc. Digital Business Advertising & ID Unit; Sponsored by: Dentsu Tech, MyData Intelligence) was held.

At the forum's opening, Naoji Ishii, President of MyData Intelligence, delivered remarks. He explained that the company was established in September with the goal of building and operating a platform that holds high value for both consumers and businesses by receiving consumer trusts to store personal data. He also announced the launch of the MyData Bank "MEY" on November 19.

Regarding the utilization of personal information, he stated, "To advance this field further, the understanding and cooperation of consumers are indispensable. We aim to deepen understanding across three areas: cost value, experience value, and platform value. Specifically, our company focuses on platform value, seeking to provide a distribution platform that benefits both consumers and businesses. Through this forum, we hope to further deepen our insights and consider what is best for both consumers and businesses."

Mr. Kohei Yoshida, Senior Advisor to the Cabinet Office's Office for Information and Communications Technology Strategy (IT Strategy Office), delivered a keynote speech titled "Promoting User-Centric Data Utilization." He explained the discussions held within the government regarding PDS (Personal Data Store), information banks, and data trading markets.

Yoshida noted, "A key point was how to consider consent for third-party provision of personal data under the Personal Information Protection Act. Since PDS involves individuals managing their data using a system, third-party provision is possible with the individual's consent. Information banks, meanwhile, are defined as allowing third-party provision if the individual has given blanket consent. We need to consider what is best for improving user convenience and aim to leverage data managed by consumers to enhance Japan's industrial competitiveness. The utilization of personal information is a challenging area, and the government intends to exhaust every effort to prepare the necessary environment." He then outlined the main schedule for future discussions within the government.

Kohei Yoshida (Cabinet Secretariat, Office for Information and Communications Technology Strategy)

Next, Professor Noboru Koshizuka, Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo and Director of the Ubiquitous Information Society Infrastructure Research Center, took the stage to deliver a lecture titled "Data Circulation Essential for the Social Implementation of AI and IoT."

Professor Koshizuka explained the historical context of Japan's information and communications sector. He stated that global ICT is currently at an extremely critical juncture, standing at a historic crossroads.

"It is crucial to consider not only personal data but also open data and industrial data comprehensively. Regarding personal data, the fundamental principle is that individuals should control all data pertaining to themselves. To put it extremely, this can be considered a basic human right. However, not all Japanese citizens can exercise this control independently. Tools are needed to support this concept, and that is why PDS emerged. I believe building a government-led PDS is also important for creating public services," he stated.

At the end of the presentation, he introduced a service example utilizing personal data recently developed through research. He explained the benefits: by using smart meters to predict when residents are away, it reduces missed deliveries. Since this information isn't displayed on delivery routes, it also contributes to privacy protection.

Mr. Noboru Koshizuka (Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo)

Other events included expert lectures and discussions on "MyData Circulation and Technology Supporting Sustainable Corporate Activities" and a panel discussion on "Expectations and Challenges for Information Banks Synchronizing Users and Industries."

MyData Intelligence News Release
https://www.mydata-intelligence.co.jp/news/2018/11/20181119_01.html

Dentsu Inc. Tech News Release
https://www.dentsutec.co.jp/news/2018/20181119/