The Yomiuri Shimbun
After being alerted to 75 potential suicide cases last year, in
which 79 people posted messages online suggesting they intended to
take their own lives, the police managed to intervene and save 43
lives, according to the National Police Agency.
The police reportedly acted on information provided by Internet
service providers offered under guidelines on information
disclosure introduced in the autumn of 2005. However, as some
service providers do not accept requests or inquiries from the
police at night or during holidays, the NPA is asking relevant
associations to consider further improving access.
Prior to the guidelines being introduced, police investigating
potential suicides would have to obtain a court order to gather
personal informa tion from service providers.
However, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, the NPA,
and four Internet firm associations, including the
Telecommunications Carriers Association, drew up guidelines in
August 2005.
(Mar. 25, 2007)
