Japan's National Police Agency will create a special squad to tackle computer crime. However unlike other developed countries it is not illegal to break into a computer system in Japan. People are free to look at information on computers as long as they do not attempt to destroy or sell it. Japanese officials concede that the problem has to be addressed. It is thought that legislation banning unauthorised access to computers will be introduced to Japan's Parliament before the end of 1999.
Computer crime is a fairly recent phenomenon in Japan but it is increasing.
In 1993 there were just 32 cases but by 1997 the number had risen to 263.