Strict takes on privacy law lack sense.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun/Daily Yomiuri)

Strict takes on privacy law lack sense

Natsuki Komatsu / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

Yomiuri

Local government officials throughout the country have been refusing to disclose personal data--even to police--as they overcautiously interpret ordinances related to the privacy law out of fear of retribution for leaks.

There have been several cases reported nationwide of officials being reluctant to disclose personal information that is to be used for legitimate purposes because of provisions set forth not only in the Personal Information Protection Law, but also under local ordinances.

One board of education is said to have refused to help middle school students send cards to the elderly living alone in the area. Elsewhere, a medical institution refused to tell police the condition of people injured in accidents and crimes. There have also been cases in which the public could not get …