Dear Readers

In response to the problem of web sites on the Internet hosting pirated material, on April 13, 2018, the Cabinet adopted a resolution that ISPs and telecommunications carriers are to voluntarily shut off access to three sites illegally posting copyrighted comic materials. Many people and Internet-related organizations raised strong objections to this decision. The Japanese Government stated its thinking behind this decision and elaborated that it intends to introduce a judicial system that allows for access denial. Meanwhile ISPs and telecommunications carriers are encouraged to voluntarily block access to pirate web sites. This means that the Japanese Government obviously intends to ask carriers to block access to the sites hosting pirated materials. In order for carriers to block access according to the Cabinet's decision, it is necessary to monitor customer communication. This leads to infringement of the Telecommunications Business Act.

In June 2018, the Cabinet Office set up a committee consisting of interested parties which included content providers, publishers, lawyers and Internet-related organizations. The aim of the committee was to discuss this matter in order to draft a law. The parties agree that "pirate sites are unacceptable", however they are split on the methodology to use in addressing this problem, and on the pros and cons of blocking access. There still seem to be many difficulties ahead.

Since JPNIC is a member of the committee as a global Internet coordinator, we will inform you of the current state of this discussion in "Special Article 1".

Now, it's that time of year again! In "Special Article 2", we feature "Internet Week 2018". Mr. Hiroshi Takada, JPNIC Trustee and Internet Week 2018 Program Committee Chair, shares the following remarks:

"The Internet has become an infrastructure that is indispensable to people's lives. In comparison with IoT, AI, block-chain technology, etc., which in recent years have received attention with high expectations for the future, the fundamental technology related to the Internet seems modest. Some members of younger generations, who didn't experience the dynamics in the early days of the Internet, may think that the fundamental Internet technology is pretty low-key. However, as a technical expert who has been involved in it for a long time, I'd like all of you to discover how fun and deep it is. We included that spirit in this year's theme. "The more you know, the more you will have fun!"

In the "Prologue to the Internet: Its Technologies and Services", the "JP29-type-robot Nic-kun" and Dr. Netson of the Internet research institute explain "the Birth and Development of Search Engines". Although we are now quite familiar with them, how did they develop and become commonly used as they are today?

"Introducing JPNIC members" focuses on a particular JPNIC member engaged in interesting activities. This time, we visited GMO Internet, Inc. When you hear "GMO", it may remind you of "お名前.com (Onamae.com)" or of a commercial for their securities company. Because they are headquartered in Shibuya - the epicenter of youth culture - and provide Internet-based finance and virtual currency services, you may have an image of them as being at the forefront of Internet trends. Moreover, they give priority to basic Internet infrastructure services and customer demands. This means that they can provide services to enhance customer convenience under the slogan "Internet for everyone". We get a glimpse of their philosophy thorough the interview.

"The Internet loves you" is a corner that introduces someone who is active in the Internet industry. We introduce Mr. You Nakatsuru of SecureWorks Japan K.K. who is well-known and active in the field of cybersecurity. In his private life, he is absorbed in customizing smart speakers and IoT devices. And he describes himself as "an enthusiast of technology and the Internet". He talks about the how and why he has reached his present position, and about his vision for the future thorough activities inside and outside a company.

As of 2018, there are two methods for IPv6-based Internet connection "FLET'S (NGN)" services provided by NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE EAST CORPORATION (NTT EAST) and NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE WEST CORPORATION (NTT WEST). These are: PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) and IPoE (IP over Ethernet). In this issue's "10 Minute Internet Course", Mr. Tadayuki Yamaguchi of NTT EAST explains the overall scheme and details of each method.

In addition, you'll also find "Internet Topics", "JPNIC Activity Reports", "Statistics" etc., for the past several months.

If you have any comments or feedback, please feel free to contact us at jpnic-news＠nic.ad.jp. Your comments are greatly appreciated!!