APPI
Japan's regulation for protecting personal information handling
ISO 27017
International code of practice for cloud security controls
Quick Verdict
APPI mandates privacy protections for Japanese data handlers, enforced by PPC fines up to ¥100M. ISO 27017 provides voluntary cloud security guidance within ISO 27001. Companies adopt APPI for legal compliance in Japan; ISO 27017 for global cloud assurance and trust.
APPI
Act on the Protection of Personal Information
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope targeting foreign businesses in Japan
- Pseudonymized data enables flexible analytics without consent
- Explicit consent required for sensitive data transfers
- PPC fines up to ¥100 million for violations
- Four-category security: systematic, human, physical, technical controls
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific CLD controls to ISO 27002
- Provides guidance for 37 existing controls in cloud
- Addresses multi-tenancy segregation and VM hardening
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud services activity
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
APPI Details
What It Is
Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) is Japan's primary national regulation enacted in 2003, amended through 2022-2024. It governs collection, use, security, and transfer of personal data identifying individuals, balancing privacy with economic data utility. Scope covers businesses handling Japanese residents' data, with extraterritorial reach for foreign entities targeting Japan. Employs risk-based, principle-driven approach like purpose limitation and data minimization.
Key Components
- Core principles: transparency, purpose limitation, minimization, data subject rights, security.
- Sensitive data (medical, race) requires explicit consent.
- Pseudonymously processed information for analytics.
- Rights: access, correction, deletion within timelines.
- Security via four categories; PPC oversight, no mandatory certification but P Mark voluntary.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for compliance avoiding ¥100M fines, breach notifications. Builds trust (78% consumers prefer), enables cross-border transfers, efficiency gains (15-25% cost reduction), market access in Japan's economy. Strategic for tech, finance, e-commerce.
Implementation Overview
**5-phase frameworkgap analysis, governance, technical controls, testing, monitoring (12-24 months). Applies to all sizes/industries handling data; SMEs lighter touch. Cross-functional teams, tools like data mapping, DPO appointment.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 with cloud-specific guidance for information security controls. It targets cloud services across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, using a risk-based approach integrated into ISO 27001 ISMS. Its scope covers shared responsibilities in public, private, and hybrid clouds.
Key Components
- Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls adapted for cloud environments.
- 7 additional CLD cloud-specific controls (e.g., shared roles, VM segregation, asset removal).
- Built on ISO 27001 framework; not standalone certification.
- Dual perspectives for CSPs and CSCs.
Why Organizations Use It
- Addresses cloud risks like multi-tenancy and shared responsibility.
- Meets procurement demands and supports GDPR/CCPA alignment.
- Enhances risk management and builds stakeholder trust.
- Provides competitive edge via audit-ready cloud assurance.
Implementation Overview
- Integrate into existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment.
- Key activities: control mapping, shared responsibility matrices, VM hardening.
- Suits CSPs, enterprises with cloud footprints; global applicability.
- Audited as extension to ISO 27001 certification (joint audits 9-12 months).
Key Differences
| Aspect | APPI | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection and privacy | Cloud-specific information security controls |
| Industry | All handling Japanese residents' data | Cloud service providers and customers globally |
| Nature | Mandatory national law with PPC enforcement | Voluntary international code of practice |
| Testing | PPC audits and inspections | ISO 27001 audits with 27017 guidance |
| Penalties | ¥100M fines, imprisonment | No legal penalties, certification loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about APPI and ISO 27017
APPI FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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