Computer viruses are now illegal in Japan

[idaho]

Japan is now the place to be if you want to have a better chance of avoiding computer viruses. The country has now made it illegal to create, distribute or store viruses. Those who are caught doing so without a good reason will be either sentenced to prison for up to three years, or be fined up to $6,000 or 500,000 yen. If one is caught storing or acquiring viruses, they could go to prison for two years or be fined around $4,000 or 300,000 yen.

The law also allows authorities to take any data from computers or servers that are believed to be connected to a computer under suspicion of creating viruses. Police can also ask internet service providers to hand over the names belonging to email address of persons believed to be connected to viruses for up to 60 days.

Since this kind of police power can be seen as controversial, authorities are urged to only use these tactics if they are absolutely necessary.

Although this is not really connected to viruses, Japan has also made it illegal to send pornographic emails to a certain number of recipients.

Source: http://www.gadgetell.com/technologytell/article/computer-viruses-are-now-illegal-in-japan/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gadgetell+Gadgetell+-+www.gadgetell.com

WOT: green http://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/gadgetell.com

[Bearcat]

Interesting, thanks for the info idaho.

[Neo]

??? when were they legal

[JayCub]

Thank you for sharing the news Idaho, and a thumbs up for Neo's reply... but getting back on-track the penalties for viruses should be looked at by all governments because they have to originate from some-where... maybe some jail time will make them think again as it's an invasion of privacy and can cause distress to the unfortunate owner of an infected PC ... these are not pranks but malicious intent and should have a hardline approach.

[Ceyfer √]

( image courtesy of microsoft sir )

See the complete report here.
http://www.microsoft.com/security/sir/threat/default.aspx#!introduction

Legal or not...they are strictly forbidden to visit my boxes. Anyhow, Japan has the lowest malware infection rate ( as per country ) and has been consistent for years! Probably, because they're better aware and responsible people.

[leofelix]

Legal or not...they are strictly forbidden to visit my boxes

LOL
I frankly doubt any kind of malware might reach one of your PCs, unless you want it

Thank you Idaho for this news as Neo wrote I thought virii and malware were illegal all over the world

[edit to add]
http://www.microsoft.com/security/sir/threat/default.aspx#!italy

The MSRT detected malware on 8.9 of every 1,000 computers scanned in Italy in 4Q10 (a CCM score of 8.9, compared to the 4Q10 average worldwide CCM of 8.7).

Only?!
I have been spending more than 10 years in helping italians to get rid of malware

[ted]

wow why didn't the rest of the world think of this

[Ceyfer √]

The MSRT detected malware on 2.8 of every 1,000 computers scanned in Philippines in 4Q10 (a CCM score of 2.8, compared to the 4Q10 average worldwide CCM of 8.7)

Leo: probably, it is because some people who do not use windows update or avoid the the MSRT updates are not included in the SIR data. I'm also wondering why my country has a rating of 2.8 only? I believe, majority of infected Windows machines are those that are counterfeit copies and has been intentionally blocked to receive regular OS updates, plus pure user negligence on investing on patch management. - It is evidently supported by this report | The Risks of Obtaining and Using Pirated Software pdf.

[INDRANIL]

Hmm many noobs are still in India . I'm trying my best let's hope others will do the rest .

[Neo]

I have a doubt , On what basis and statistical analysis could they got this graph.

I am infected .. how would anyone know that ... is by downloading a trojan counted as infection for the analysis... i doubt this result