Japan aims to strengthen its investigative capabilities using advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to tackle cyberattacks and tokuryū loosely organized anonymous criminal groups, National Public Safety Commission Chairperson Yasuhiro Hanashi has said.

“We need to respond without delay to protect safety and security, which are the foundation of people’s happiness,” Hanashi said in an interview Friday.

Describing tokuryū groups, which use the latest information and communications technology, as “the biggest challenge to public security,” Hanashi said police must further enhance their investigative capabilities.

He also pledged to establish a system for the remote analysis of highly encrypted messaging apps, for which a bill has been submitted to the current session of the country’s parliament.

He also said police would pursue a range of measures in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, including monitoring crypto assets.

Regarding unauthorized access and cyberattacks, Hanashi said he is deeply concerned by daily reports of data breaches.

“It is crucial to prevent damage from spreading by raising public awareness, in addition to conducting investigations and determining the extent of the problem through international cooperation,” he said.

Noting that small and midsize companies outside major urban areas are also being targeted by cyberattacks, Hanashi said police would encourage such firms to conduct business continuity plan exercises.

“We can’t keep up with attacks using the latest AI if police equipment lags behind,” he said. “We will step up efforts to introduce rapidly advancing technologies.”

To prevent harm from stalking and similar crimes, Hanashi said an expert panel will be set up to consider a system requiring stalkers deemed particularly dangerous to wear GPS tracking devices. The panel will also discuss whether to make counseling mandatory for offenders, he said.