Joint statement between the United Kingdom and Japan on ensuring App Security and Privacy

　Following the UK-Japan meeting on 6th February 2023, the governments of Japan and the United Kingdom, represented by the Secretariat of the Headquarters for Digital Market Competition, the Cabinet Secretariat of Japan, and the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology respectively, express their intention to collaborate on knowledge sharing in ensuring users are protected when accessing and using apps and app stores.

　As reflected in the inclusion of app security and privacy issues in the UK-Japan Digital Partnership, Japan and the UK recognise the necessity to find ways to strengthen the security and privacy of apps and app stores in their respective countries and to work together to share learnings.

　The UK government published a voluntary Code of Practice for App Store Operators and App Developers on the 9th December 2022. This Code sets out how the UK aims to ensure the security and privacy of apps and app stores. Similarly, to promote digital market competition while ensuring security and privacy, the Cabinet Secretariat of Japan is currently undertaking a Competition Assessment of the Mobile Ecosystem. Japan and the UK have been very grateful to each other for their advice and expertise during the development of initiatives related to this topic.

　Japan and the UK are committed to continuing to share insights and lessons from each policy initiative and beyond.

　Finally, Japan and the UK recognise that app security and privacy is a global issue that will require a collaborative approach from the international community.