Japan outlaws the creation of computer viruses
Japan has passed a law making it a criminal offence to create or distribute computer viruses, plugging an important legal hole in the country's ability to tackle cyber-crime.
The update to Japan's penal code will be a boon for authorities seeking to clamp down on high-tech criminals, having previously struggled to bring the perpetrators of cyber-attacks to justice.
The legislation also brings the country in line with the international Convention on Cybercrime. The treaty has been ratified by 31 states, and requires signatories to cooperate towards cracking online crime. Led by the Council of Europe, it has been in force since 2004, with the USA joining in 2006.
Under Japan's new law, those accused of creating or distributing a computer virus without reasonable cause will face up to three years in jail or a fine of up to 500,000 yen. Acquiring or storing a virus will be punishable by up to two years in prison or a 300,000 yen fine.
