We would like to thank you for your continued understanding and support of our association's activities.

The impact of COVID-19, which began in the spring of 2020, is converging and transforming our society. Avoiding face-to-face meetings, as well as contactless, remote businesses utilizing state-of-the-art digital technology have become commonplace, and the importance of distributing correct information safely, securely, and promptly has further increased.

Following the revision of the Personal Information Protection Law in 2020, the 2021 revision came into full force in April 2023. In an ever-changing society, an environment is being established in which the public and private sectors work to protect personal information appropriately under common rules, such as international institutional harmonization and DFFT (Data Federation for Trustworthy and Free Data Distribution). For companies engaged in economic activities, responding to these issues is an unavoidable and urgent management issue.

Under these circumstances, what is required of the Association is to "assist in the sound distribution of information and facilitate the activities of everyone." We will continue to support all organizations to continue developing their business through the operation of the PrivacyMark System and the evaluation of trust services.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the PrivacyMark System. In the half century since its establishment, the Association has built up a certain track record and trust in the fields of "development of information society infrastructure" and "protection of personal information." We will continue to leverage this accumulation to meet the needs of those who manage personal information and to provide easy-to-understand information on how to ensure safety and convenience.
In cooperation with relevant government agencies, organizations, and companies, we will continue to promote various projects that support the progress of the digital society. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated.

Hideji Sugiyama,
President
JIPDEC