correctness of operators' business practices.

### e. Promoting installation of free public Wi-Fi

Free public Wi-Fi is an effective communications means for sending and receiving information during emergencies and disasters when phone lines are congested. Furthermore, there is strong demand for Wi-Fi installations from overseas visitors, whose numbers are expected to surge leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. From the perspectives of tourism and disaster-preparedness, MIC promotes the establishment of free public Wi-Fi installations that also help regional stimulation. To this end, MIC has been running the Tourism and Disaster-Response Wi-Fi Station Installation Program since FY 2014, and the Free Public Wi-Fi Installation Support Program since FY 2016, for municipalities and third-party sectors.

### f. Promoting IPv6 adoption

MIC views IPv6 support as essential, not only to address the imminent global exhaustion of IPv4 addresses, but also to match international developments to accelerate IPv6 support and to construct an IoT-based society in which massive numbers of devices are connected to the Internet. The Study Group on Advanced Internet Use with IPv6, which reconvened in July 2015, put together basic approaches and an action plan for future IPv6 advancement. The Study Group released its fourth report in January 2016.

## (2) Ensuring the security and reliability of telecommunications infrastructure

MIC enacted the ICT Network Safety and Reliability Standards to ensure stable provision of communications and to prevent misuse of communications. The criteria provide basic, but comprehensive, indicators spanning all security and reliability aspects of ICT networks, such as necessary hardware and software functionality and system maintenance and operation methods. The criteria are expected to be used as indicators when network constructors plan and implement security and reliability measures. They are also expected to encourage users to implement their own network security and reliability measures.

### 2. Consumer affairs administration in relation to telecommunications services

## (1) Revisions and enhancements to consumer protection rules pertaining to telecommunications services

The Act to Partially Amend the Telecommunications Business Act and other Legislation went into effect in May 2016. Legislation after the amendment add to and enhance the previous obligation on carriers to explain fees and other service conditions prior to signing a contract. The additions are that carriers shall (1) provide explanations to senior citizens, people with physical and mental challenges, and other users adhering to the principle of suitability, which is the due consideration of the user's knowledge, experience, and intent in entering the contract; (2) inform users about necessary information in advance of auto-renewals of term-limited contracts; (3) make clear on the contract form provided to the user the details of the contract, including the workings of complicated pricing discounts such as discounts conditional on the purchase of optional paid services or devices, and (4) make optical fiber and other fixed-line Internet services the main target of initial contract cancellation systems.

## (2) Proper handling of personal and user information

Smartphones store many forms of user information and apps collect and use this information. In some cases, apps provide collected information to third parties. On the other hand, users have concerns and anxieties because of the difficulty in finding out what information is being collected and used. MIC investigated issues surrounding the widespread use of privacy policies and the promotion of a system for third parties to verify operational and technology aspects of apps. These investigations continued in FY 2014, and in FY 2015 tests were carried out prior to constructing a third-party verification system.

## Section 3 Developments in Radio Policy

### 1. Promoting effective radio spectrum use

## (1) Studies on how to encourage effective radio spectrum use

MIC set up the Radio Policy 2020 Panel, organized by the Vice Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, in January 2016, which compiled a report in July. The Panel's purpose is to investigate approaches to the radio usage fee system, which is due to be revised in FY 2017, and to investigate policies to advance Japan's wireless services and boost their international competitiveness leading up to 2020 as well as directions for system revisions that will allow for the introduction of new wireless systems.

## (2) Policies for effective radio spectrum use

In view of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is important to improve ICT usage conditions for overseas visitors during their stay in Japan. With the Act to Partially Amend the Telecommunications Business Act and other Legislation, which was promulgated in May 2016, MIC has established regulations so mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices brought to Japan by overseas visitors can be used in Japan, provided the devices satisfy certain conditions such as conforming to technical standards equivalent to Japan's technical criteria. Thus,