A Japanese communications panel said on Monday that the country should consider legal action to begin imposing domestic-level rules on tech giants not based in Japan, such as Apple, Facebook ,and Google.

Currently, Japan imposes specific regulations on tech businesses located in Japan, such as banning the leaking and viewing of communications content by users without consent.

Under the new law, tech giants would be required to station some agents in Japan, alongside abiding by the same regulations firms in the country already do.

From Japan Times,

According to the report, the “secrecy of communications” rules would ideally be imposed as soon as 2020, provided all proper approvals proceed without hiccups.

Late last year, the government compiled a basic policy on regulating global technology giants. The Fair Trade Commission is considering a compulsory investigation of them under the antimonopoly law.

Prior to those revelations, Germany had to deny a popular newspaper report that the country would begin implementing a 3% “tech tax.”

What are your thoughts on countries increasing legislation for tech companies? Tell us in the comments below!

  • Austria is the next country working to impose a tech tax on companies like Apple
  • France will impose new GAFA tech tax on Apple and Google worth $570 million annually
  • Germany denies opposing EU plans to impose 3% tax on Apple and other tech giants
  • Expectations of soft iPhone sales put increased focus on AAPL’s $50B target for Services
  • Abode extends HomeKit promise as it unveils second-gen home security system