Japan enacts law centralising intelligence gathering amid privacy fears

Japan enacts law centralising intelligence gathering amid privacy fearsThe move is a significant first step in the government’s plans to expand Japan’s counter-espionage architecture2-MIN READ2-MIN0ListenPublished: 6:21pm, 27 May 2026Japan’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 most complex security environment since the end of World War II.The move, made possible by support from some opposition parties in the House of Councillors where the governing coalition lacks a majority, marks a significant first step in the government’s plans to expand Japan’s counter-espionage architecture through further legislation.Select VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x