Japan enacts law centralising intelligence gathering amid privacy fears

AI Summary

Japan's parliament approved a law to create a National Intelligence Council aimed at centralising information gathering to counter overseas threats. The move reflects a strategic priority by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to enhance intelligence and counter-espionage capabilities despite privacy concerns.

Japan’s parliament enacted a law on Wednesday to establish a new National Intelligence Council to centralise information gathering in response to overseas threats, marking a first step in plans to boost capabilities that have raised concerns over civil liberties. Establishing the council is a key aim in the governing agenda of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a security hawk who has pledged to strengthen intelligence and counter-espionage capabilities in response to what her government calls the...