2 October

A panel of Japanese government ministers and experts will hold its first meeting this week to discuss establishing rules for the digital market. The aim is to ensure transparency in online transactions and to protect personal information.

The move comes as IT giants have amassed huge amounts of data that give them monopolistic power in the digital market, including Japan.

The panel plans to set rules so that businesses cannot unilaterally impose costs on customers. It will also consider ways for users of digital technology to stop companies using their personal information.

Government officials say they will study the panel's proposals and submit the necessary bills to the Diet next year.

NHK