...

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20130418p2a00m0na013000c....

"to voluntarily block communications if an anonymous software system ... is found abused online." The second ripline leaves some room but is without specifics.

It seems they are blurring the line between recommending that websites refuse to answer connections from the Tor network, vs recommending that ISPs prevent their users from reaching the Tor network.

"The panel specifically recommends that communications be blocked when there is access from IP addresses publicly listed as those allocated to the third in a chain of computers that are used by Tor." This quote clears that up to be the former. However, it appears they also intend to ask network operators to block exits as well, not just websites: http://mainichi.jp/select/news/20130418k0000e040232000c.html "Based on the recommendations, the National Police Agency to encourage voluntary efforts such as the industry of Internet connection operators." They don't seem to say whether non-exits (thus the EG's among them) would remain accessible or not. "The Tor system was utilized by citizens in pro-democracy movements in the Middle East to escape government suppression, while Wikileaks also recommends Tor to information providers. The planned access restrictions are therefore expected to spark a backlash from the industry. 'Communication privacy is our lifeline. We won't be able to accept such a request,' said an industry insider. An NPA official said, 'We will make detailed explanations and seek their understanding.'" http://mainichi.jp/select/news/20130124k0000e040166000c.html "police were summarized for the strengthening of cyber crime investigation the 'emergency program' ... According to the National Police Agency, the police has been promoting public-private partnerships with such Internet-related companies so far, but pointed out that investigation and not keep up with the rapid advances in information and communication technology ... In the future, expanding the range to exchange personal level regardless of the occupation of the other party, and that improve the information collection... Emergency program, mentioned considerations and be entrusted to the private sector, the analysis of the modus operandi of education and other investigators" It's a little unclear to what degree these groups are for enforcement or education, whether they attend public conferences, etc. Likely the usual mix. There could be some good opportunities there. Cracking, corp/finance, data theft, copyright that sort of deal is one thing. But these idiots making death/bomb threats and such are really getting old not just on its face but due to their tendency to make the news and piss people off, and against Tor, in a different sort of way. I presume exit operators in Japan could ask NPA/Mainichi for the full panel doc and would be very interested in following this issue ... cc'd.